diff --git a/src/app/conf/_design-system/tag-colors.tsx b/src/app/conf/_design-system/tag-colors.tsx index eddcbcbaab..013abc05e7 100644 --- a/src/app/conf/_design-system/tag-colors.tsx +++ b/src/app/conf/_design-system/tag-colors.tsx @@ -1,38 +1,40 @@ export const tagColors = { - newsletter: "#FFCCEF", + ai: "#FF5FA2", + "ambassador-stories": "#D4A017", announcements: "#F80", - blog: "#298cc5", - foundation: "#5800FF", - spec: "#00C6AC", - grants: "#84BD01", - "in-the-news": "#3F3A3D", - "developer-experience": "#6fc9af", - + "api-platform-and-gateways": "#F4B400", backend: "#36C1A0", + blog: "#298cc5", + "blog-or-newsletter": "hsl(var(--color-pri-base))", + book: "#00C6AC", + "case-studies": "#B36B00", + community: "#7BAE3D", "defies-categorization": "#894545", + "developer-experience": "#6fc9af", + documentation: "salmon", + events: "#E63946", + federation: "#5C7CFA", "federation-and-composite-schemas": "#cbc749", + "federation-and-distributed-systems": "#FF8F70", + foundation: "#5800FF", + frontend: "violet", "graphql-clients": "#ca78fc", "graphql-in-production": "#e4981f", "graphql-security": "#CC6BB0", "graphql-spec": "#6B73CC", + grants: "#84BD01", + guide: "#FF8800", + "in-the-news": "#3F3A3D", + list: "#00C6AC", + monitoring: "#2D9CDB", + newsletter: "#FFCCEF", + post: "#FF8800", scaling: "#8D8D8D", - frontend: "violet", - documentation: "salmon", + "schema-design": "#7E57C2", "schema-evolution": "thistle", security: "cornflowerblue", - "case-studies": "#B36B00", - "federation-and-distributed-systems": "#FF8F70", - federation: "#5C7CFA", + spec: "#00C6AC", tools: "#0FA3B1", - "api-platform-and-gateways": "#F4B400", - "schema-design": "#7E57C2", - ai: "#FF5FA2", - monitoring: "#2D9CDB", - "blog-or-newsletter": "hsl(var(--color-pri-base))", - book: "#00C6AC", - guide: "#FF8800", - video: "hsl(var(--color-pri-dark))", "tools-and-libraries": "hsl(var(--color-sec-dark))", - list: "#00C6AC", - post: "#FF8800", + video: "hsl(var(--color-pri-dark))", } satisfies Record diff --git a/src/pages/blog/2026-06-02-learning-graphql-to-representing-it-at-api-days-singapore/Thumbnail.png b/src/pages/blog/2026-06-02-learning-graphql-to-representing-it-at-api-days-singapore/Thumbnail.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000000..a1847dc605 Binary files /dev/null and b/src/pages/blog/2026-06-02-learning-graphql-to-representing-it-at-api-days-singapore/Thumbnail.png differ diff --git a/src/pages/blog/2026-06-02-learning-graphql-to-representing-it-at-api-days-singapore/booth.png b/src/pages/blog/2026-06-02-learning-graphql-to-representing-it-at-api-days-singapore/booth.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000000..ec0f43a58b Binary files /dev/null and b/src/pages/blog/2026-06-02-learning-graphql-to-representing-it-at-api-days-singapore/booth.png differ diff --git a/src/pages/blog/2026-06-02-learning-graphql-to-representing-it-at-api-days-singapore/energy-1.png 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mode 100644 index 0000000000..a6c7669d10 --- /dev/null +++ b/src/pages/blog/2026-06-02-learning-graphql-to-representing-it-at-api-days-singapore/index.mdx @@ -0,0 +1,238 @@ +--- +title: "From Learning GraphQL to Representing it at API Days Singapore" +tags: ["community", "events", "ambassador-stories"] +date: 2026-06-02 +byline: "Akshat Sharma" +--- +> The following report was written by Ambassador +> Akshat Sharma after his first experience representing GraphQL +> at a large event. +> GraphQL Ambassadors are trusted go-to community leaders +> driven by a passion for GraphQL projects, striving +> to nurture the growing GraphQL community through collaboration, +> education and outreach. Find out more about the [Ambassador Program in the community pages](https://graphql.org/community/ambassadors/). + +
+ ![API Days Singapore Thumbnail][thumbnail] +
+ +My experience representing GraphQL at API Days Singapore 2026, insights from GraphQL Day at FOST, and real-world lessons from the API community. + +Over the past three years, I’ve been deeply involved with GraphQL — building production-grade systems, experimenting with modern API architectures, and understanding how GraphQL performs in real-world environments. + +But representing GraphQL as an Ambassador at API Days Singapore 2026 was a completely different experience. + +What made it even more interesting? + +This wasn’t something planned months in advance. + +It was a last-minute decision that the three of us came together on, and before we knew it, we were on the ground at one of the most happening global API conferences — representing GraphQL in front of a diverse developer audience. + +And that spontaneity made the experience even more memorable. + +## Representing GraphQL from a Booth at API Days Singapore + +
+
+ ![GraphQL Day stickers][graphql-day-stickers] +
+
+ ![At the GraphQL Booth][api-days-booth] +
+
+ ![API Days Singapore conference floor][api-days-hallway] +
+
+ +One of the most exciting parts of attending API Days Singapore was having a dedicated GraphQL booth. + +It quickly became a central hub for developers, engineers, and API enthusiasts. + +People walking by would stop, notice GraphQL, and start conversations — sometimes casual, sometimes deeply technical. + +We interacted with: + +- Developers evaluating GraphQL vs REST APIs +- Teams already using GraphQL in production facing scaling challenges +- Engineers exploring hybrid API architectures + +You’d start with a simple question: + +“Should we use GraphQL?” + +And within minutes, you’d be discussing: + +- GraphQL federation strategies +- Query complexity and rate limiting +- Schema design best practices +- Observability and performance optimization + +Being part of these discussions — not just as a developer but as a GraphQL Ambassador — felt both impactful and rewarding. + +## The Energy of API Days Singapore 2026 + +
+
+ ![Akshat holding GraphQL Day 2026 badge][energy-1] +
+
+ ![Akshat with Marina Bay Sands background][energy-2] +
+
+ ![Akshat with Singapore skyline][energy-3] +
+
+ +API Days Singapore has a unique energy that sets it apart from typical tech conferences — and the setting at Marina Bay Sands makes it even more special. + +It’s not just about presentations — it’s about real builders solving real problems in one of the most iconic tech gathering spaces. + +You see: + +- Founders building API-first platforms +- Engineers dealing with production-scale challenges +- DevRel professionals shaping developer communities + +And often, the most valuable insights come from unplanned hallway conversations, not scheduled sessions. + +Some of the best discussions happen between sessions, overlooking the skyline, where ideas flow more freely than in formal talks. + +That’s where real learning happens. + +## Meeting the People Behind the GraphQL Ecosystem + +
+ ![Akshat with Michael Staib and Pascal Senn][meeting-people] +
+ +A major highlight of the event was connecting with members of the GraphQL Foundation. + +I had the opportunity to meet Michael Staib and Pascal Senn. + +These are individuals who have significantly shaped the GraphQL ecosystem. + +But what stood out wasn’t just their technical depth — it was their openness. + +The conversations were: + +- Practical and experience-driven +- Focused on real-world GraphQL challenges +- Centered around improving the ecosystem + +No gatekeeping. No unnecessary complexity. Just meaningful discussions. + +And that’s what makes the GraphQL community powerful. + +## GraphQL Day during API Days Singapore + +
+
+ ![Michael Staib presenting Closing the Loop][graphql-day-1] +
+
+ ![Michael Staib presenting at API Days][graphql-day-2] +
+
+ ![Akshat speaking on stage at API Days][graphql-day-3] +
+
+ +As part of the broader event, we were also involved in GraphQL Day at FOST Singapore, which brought together multiple API communities. + +GraphQL Day is a focused community-driven event hosted by FOST (Future of Software Technologies) — designed to bring together ecosystems like GraphQL, AsyncAPI, OpenAPI, and JSON Schema. + +I, Michael Staib, and Pascal Senn talked about how GraphQL is being applied across diverse domains — from strengthening API security practices to enabling agentic AI systems, and even supporting emerging trends like vibe coding. + +These talks clearly showed how GraphQL is evolving beyond just a query language — it’s becoming a foundational layer in modern, intelligent, API-driven systems. + +## Why GraphQL Day is Valuable for Developers + +
+ ![Networking and sharing insights at GraphQL Day][valuable-1] +
+ +GraphQL Day stands out because of its real-world focus: + +- **Real-world GraphQL talks:** Learn how teams actually use GraphQL in production — including failures and lessons learned. +- **Cross-community API learning:** Understand how GraphQL works alongside AsyncAPI, OpenAPI, and JSON Schema. +- **Open-source ecosystem access:** Meet maintainers, contributors, and core developers behind GraphQL tools. +- **Hands-on GraphQL workshops:** Explore new tools and techniques with expert guidance. +- **High-quality networking:** A focused format ensures meaningful interactions with developers, CTOs, and decision-makers. + +Whether you’re a beginner or running GraphQL at scale, this event provides real value. + +## Key Takeaways from API Days Singapore and GraphQL Day + +A few major insights stood out: + +### 1. GraphQL adoption is maturing globally +Teams are moving beyond experimentation and solving real production challenges using GraphQL. + +### 2. The focus is shifting to advanced problems +The conversation is no longer about “What is GraphQL?” but about: +- Scaling GraphQL APIs +- Security and authorization +- Performance optimization +- Governance and schema evolution + +### 3. The GraphQL community drives innovation +The ecosystem thrives because of collaboration, open-source contributions, and shared learning. + +## A Personal Shift in Perspective + +This experience wasn’t just about attending a conference. + +It was about growth. + +Working with GraphQL for years gives you depth in implementation. + +But being at events like API Days gives you breadth in perspective. + +You: +- See how different teams architect systems +- Understand trade-offs better +- Discover new approaches and patterns + +And most importantly, you realize: + +Growth doesn’t just come from building — it comes from engaging with the community. + +## What’s Next in My GraphQL Journey + +This experience has pushed me to go deeper into the GraphQL ecosystem. + +To: +- Contribute more actively to GraphQL community +- Share insights from real-world implementations +- Help teams adopt and scale GraphQL effectively + +And if there’s one thing this journey reinforced, it’s this: + +The most impactful opportunities don’t always come from long-term planning. + +Sometimes, they begin with a spontaneous decision, the right people, and a willingness to show up. + +And they end up shaping your journey in ways you never expected. + +## Resources and Links + +If you want to explore more about GraphQL, API Days, and the ecosystem around it, here are some useful resources: + +- [GraphQL Community Events](https://graphql.org/community/events/) +- [GraphQL Days](https://graphql.org/day/) +- [GraphQL Ambassador Program](https://graphql.org/community/ambassadors/) + +🤝 [Connect with Me on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/akshat-sharma11/) + +[thumbnail]: ./Thumbnail.png +[graphql-day-stickers]: ./stickers.png +[api-days-booth]: ./booth.png +[api-days-hallway]: ./hallway.png +[energy-1]: ./energy-1.png +[energy-2]: ./energy-2.png +[energy-3]: ./energy-3.png +[meeting-people]: ./meeting-people.png +[graphql-day-1]: ./graphql-day-1.png +[graphql-day-2]: ./graphql-day-2.png +[graphql-day-3]: ./graphql-day-3.png +[valuable-1]: ./valuable-1.png diff --git a/src/pages/blog/2026-06-02-learning-graphql-to-representing-it-at-api-days-singapore/meeting-people.png b/src/pages/blog/2026-06-02-learning-graphql-to-representing-it-at-api-days-singapore/meeting-people.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000000..a71a39357d Binary files /dev/null and b/src/pages/blog/2026-06-02-learning-graphql-to-representing-it-at-api-days-singapore/meeting-people.png differ diff --git a/src/pages/blog/2026-06-02-learning-graphql-to-representing-it-at-api-days-singapore/stickers.png b/src/pages/blog/2026-06-02-learning-graphql-to-representing-it-at-api-days-singapore/stickers.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000000..7f6b88889b Binary files /dev/null and b/src/pages/blog/2026-06-02-learning-graphql-to-representing-it-at-api-days-singapore/stickers.png differ diff --git a/src/pages/blog/2026-06-02-learning-graphql-to-representing-it-at-api-days-singapore/valuable-1.png b/src/pages/blog/2026-06-02-learning-graphql-to-representing-it-at-api-days-singapore/valuable-1.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000000..a1cfaf86ae Binary files /dev/null and b/src/pages/blog/2026-06-02-learning-graphql-to-representing-it-at-api-days-singapore/valuable-1.png differ