Altair

Altair is an open-source browser extension that provides a dedicated environment for interacting with GraphQL APIs. It serves as a client IDE designed to help developers debug queries and test GraphQL implementations across different platforms. The tool is intended for developers who need to verify that their GraphQL server is returning the correct data structures before integrating them into a production application.

The software is available as a browser extension for Chrome and as a standalone desktop application built with Electron. Users install the client to send requests to a GraphQL server and inspect the returned data without writing custom frontend code. By providing a visual interface for query construction, it removes the need for manual HTTP request configuration when working with GraphQL endpoints.

Key features

• GraphQL query editor with syntax highlighting
• Support for GraphQL subscriptions
• Support for GraphQL fragments
• Integrated environment for debugging GraphQL implementations
• Cross-platform availability via browser and desktop
• Documentation for getting started with the client
• Support for multiple deployment targets including Docker
• Compatibility with various GraphQL server implementations

Built using Angular and NgRx, the application focuses on the specific needs of GraphQL developers. It integrates with GraphQL servers to facilitate the testing of schemas and the validation of query results. The architecture allows for deployment through various methods, including Docker images, Vercel, and Render, making it accessible for different development workflows. This flexibility ensures that developers can use the tool regardless of whether they prefer a browser based workflow or a dedicated desktop environment.

The tool is designed for backend developers, API architects, and frontend engineers who specialize in GraphQL. It provides the necessary utilities to manage complex queries and subscriptions in a single interface. By focusing exclusively on the GraphQL specification, it avoids the overhead associated with general purpose API clients.

Altair is a specialized tool for developers who require a dedicated GraphQL IDE.