Simplifying Data Access in Drupal Templates with GraphQL Revisions

One of the most effective ways to access specific content in a template is by using GraphQL revisions in Drupal. This method allows you to query exactly what you need, without having to process unnecessary data through multiple layers of modules and processors.

In this approach, you can define what you want to retrieve in your template, rather than trying to massage complex data that may or may not be needed. By turning the data flow around from push to pull, you can simplify the way data is accessed and processed.

For example, let's say you have a content type with a Paragraph reference field that allows a 'Text' Paragraph with 'Heading' and 'Text' fields. You can use GraphQL revisions to easily pull Paragraphs content into a node template from 2 references deep.

To get started, simply add a GraphQL query to your Twig template using the GraphQL Twig module. This beta module has not had a lot of activity yet, but it presents an interesting idea for simplifying data access in Drupal.

By experimenting with Gatsby + Drupal and researching this topic, I came across the GraphQL Twig module and was excited to try it out. The results are impressive, with the ability to dump GraphQL variables and see exactly what you're getting.

For instance, you can alias fields like `fieldComponents` to help clarify the result. It may look like a comment wrapped in parentheses, but that's just how it works. By putting the following query in your template:

Query

You can access exactly the content you need. This approach is easy and efficient, allowing you to avoid preprocessing or massaging data through multiple layers of modules and processors.

Overall, GraphQL revisions offer a powerful way to simplify data access in Drupal templates. By defining what you want to retrieve and pulling data instead of pushing it, you can streamline your workflow and improve the performance of your site.

Drupal graphql revisions