How do you set up GraphQL in Next.js?

Peer-reviewed by HireXTech Technical Panel • Updated for 2025/2026 hiring • Editorial standards

Interviewer Expectations for this Question

Core Competency

Assesses fundamental understanding of Next.js conventions, runtime behavior, and memory/performance considerations.

Evaluation Criteria

Hiring managers look for precision, avoidance of ambiguous jargon, and ability to explain trade-offs under real production conditions.

Comprehensive Model Answer Verified Solution

By installing Apollo Client or any other GraphQL client and configuring it in the \_app.js file.

npm install @apollo/client graphql
yarn add @apollo/client graphql

Then, set up Apollo Client in your \_app.js:

import {
  ApolloClient,
  InMemoryCache,
  ApolloProvider,
} from "@apollo/client";

const client = new ApolloClient({
  uri: "https://your-graphql-endpoint.com/graphql",
  cache: new InMemoryCache(),
});

function MyApp({ Component, pageProps }) {
  return (
    <ApolloProvider client={client}>
      <Component {...pageProps} />
    </ApolloProvider>
  );
}

export default MyApp;

Candidate Response Strategy & Interview Tips

Start with a concise one-sentence summary: Deliver a direct, confident answer first before expanding into nuances.
Demonstrate real-world trade-offs: Discuss where this approach excels and when you would avoid it in production systems.
Discuss complexity & edge cases: Proactively explain time/space complexity or boundary conditions (null values, scale limits).
Prepare for interviewer follow-ups: Technical hiring panels frequently probe deeper into concurrency, backward compatibility, or alternative libraries.

Spotted an error or have an alternative solution? Suggest an edit →

How do you set up GraphQL in Next.js?

Candidate Response Strategy & Interview Tips

More Next.js Interview Questions & Answers