In GraphQL, an Abstract Syntax Tree (AST) is a data structure that represents the source code of a GraphQL query or schema in a structured, machine-readable format. It is generated by parsing the GraphQL source code, which can be a string or a file, into a tree-like data structure[1].
The AST is a crucial intermediate representation of the GraphQL code, allowing for various operations such as validation, execution, and manipulation of the query or schema. It provides a way to analyze and understand the structure of the GraphQL code, making it possible to perform tasks like syntax checking, query optimization, and code generation[1].
In the context of GraphQL, the AST is typically generated by a parser, which takes the GraphQL source code as input and produces the AST as output. The parser ensures that the input code conforms to the GraphQL language specification, and if any syntax errors are encountered, it throws a GraphQLError[1].
The AST is composed of various node types, each representing a specific construct in the GraphQL language, such as queries, mutations, fields, arguments, and types. These node...
