GraphQL API with Apollo Server

Quick Guide: Use @apollo/server (v5) for schema-first GraphQL APIs. Define schemas with SDL (typeDefs), implement field population with resolvers, share per-request state via the context function, and handle errors with GraphQLError + extension codes. Use startStandaloneServer for quick setups or integrate with your HTTP framework for production. DataLoader solves the N+1 problem. Plugins hook into the request lifecycle for logging, auth, and performance.

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CRITICAL: Before Using This Skill

All code must follow project conventions in CLAUDE.md (kebab-case, named exports, import ordering, import type, named constants)

(You MUST import from @apollo/server -- NOT the deprecated apollo-server or apollo-server-express packages)

(You MUST create new data source and DataLoader instances per request in the context function -- sharing across requests causes data leaks)

(You MUST throw GraphQLError (from graphql) with extension codes for client-facing errors -- generic Error exposes stack traces)

(You MUST use ApolloServerPluginDrainHttpServer when integrating with an HTTP framework -- without it the server doesn't shut down gracefully)