Below are the essential building blocks that power the Nautobot GraphQL Data Explorer experience:

• GraphiQL Integrated UI: An interactive, browser-based environment built into Nautobot. It provides schema-aware autocompletion, interactive query editing, and result preview directly from the UI—no external tools required.
• GraphQL API Endpoint: The core access point for all queries, reachable at /api/graphql/. This endpoint handles read-only data retrieval from the Nautobot database using GraphQL syntax.
• Schema Documentation Explorer: Embedded documentation within the GraphiQL UI. It catalogs all available models, fields, and relationships, and helps users craft correct queries with real-time feedback.
• Saved Queries: Feature allowing you to save, manage, and execute frequently used queries either from the UI or programmatically. This streamlines recurring data retrieval workflows.
• Variable Support: Enables dynamic queries by accepting user-defined parameters. This allows the same query definition to be reused with different input values for flexible data requests.
• Custom Relationship Fields: Provides access to both core and user-defined relationships between data models. Special fields formatted as rel_<RELATIONSHIP_SLUG> bridge related datasets for more complex queries.
• Pagination Controls: Supports limit and offset parameters to efficiently manage large result sets and prevent overwhelming the user or network resources.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to practical examples using the Nautobot GraphQL Data Explorer:

1. Access the GraphiQL Interface:
   • Open Nautobot’s web UI and click “GraphQL” at the bottom right corner.
   • The GraphiQL interactive environment appears, ready for your query input.
2. Query All Device Names:

   To fetch the names of all devices, enter:

   query {
     devices {
       name
     }
   }

   This retrieves a list of all device names from the database.

3. Retrieve Nested Data:

   To see device names along with their interfaces, use:

   query {
     devices {
       name
       interfaces {
         name
       }
     }
   }

   This shows each device and a list of its associated interfaces.

4. Filter Results:

   Apply filters to get targeted data—like all devices in a specific location and role, along with a particular interface:

   query {
     devices(location: "ams", role: "edge") {
       name
       interfaces(name: "Ethernet1/1") {
         name
       }
     }
   }

   This returns only devices matching the location and role, showing only the requested interface.

5. Paginate Large Datasets:

   Control result size with limit and offset options:

   query {
     devices(location: "ams01", limit: 1, offset: 1) {
       name
     }
   }

   This example skips the first device in the location and returns just the next one, ideal for building paginated or chunked data views.

6. Use Variables for Dynamic Queries:

   You can define variables to re-use queries with different parameters. In the Variables pane, set:

   {
     "location": "ams"
   }

   And the corresponding query:

   query($location: String) {
     devices(location: $location) {
       name
     }
   }

   This setup allows you to adjust the location dynamically without rewriting the query each time.

These typical queries and techniques can be combined and extended as needed for complex data gathering tasks in Nautobot.

The Saved Queries feature in Nautobot’s GraphQL Data Explorer streamlines repeated data retrieval by allowing you to store, manage, and execute your favorite GraphQL queries from the Nautobot UI or API. Here’s a step-by-step walk-through of how to use and benefit from Saved Queries:

1. Navigate to Saved Queries Management:
   • In Nautobot’s web UI, go to Extensibility → Data Management → GraphQL Queries.
   • This section displays a list of existing saved queries and options to add new ones.
2. Create a Saved Query:
   • Paste your crafted GraphQL query into the form.
   • Optionally, give your query a descriptive name and add a brief summary for clarity.
   • When you submit, Nautobot automatically checks the query syntax. If anything’s wrong, an error message appears, so you can fix mistakes before saving.
3. Using Saved Queries in the GraphiQL Interface:
   • In the GraphiQL toolbar, click the Queries dropdown. This lists all your saved queries.
   • Select any saved query to load it directly into the editor for review, execution, or further editing.
   • If you update a saved query from here, use the Save Changes button next to its name to commit your edits.
   • To save a new query you’re working on, choose Save Current Query As... at the bottom of the Queries tab, then provide its details in the modal form.
4. Executing Saved Queries via the REST API:
   • Every saved query receives a unique identifier (UUID) or slug.
   • To execute it remotely, send a POST request to:
     /api/extras/graphql-queries/<uuid>/run/
   • Set the Content-Type header to application/json and provide any query variables as a JSON body. For example:

     {
       "variable_1": "value_1",
       "variable_2": "value_2"
     }

5. Quick Tips:
   • Use saved queries to standardize data retrieval, share complex queries among teams, or automate regular reporting and integration tasks.
   • Saved queries can be reused both within the Nautobot UI and programmatically, saving time and reducing potential errors.

Maximize your effectiveness with the Nautobot GraphQL Data Explorer by following these recommendations and workflow-enhancing tips:

1. Use the Documentation Explorer:
   • Within the GraphiQL UI, open the Docs sidebar to browse models, fields, and relationships. This helps you craft correct queries and understand data hierarchies.
2. Leverage Autocomplete:
   • Type queries interactively to take advantage of schema-aware autocompletion. This dramatically reduces syntax errors and helps discover available attributes and filters.
3. Filter Data Early:
   • Apply filters at both the top level and nested objects to narrow down results. This reduces unnecessary data retrieval and speeds up your workflow.
4. Paginate Results for Large Datasets:
   • Use limit and offset parameters to paginate queries. This prevents overwhelming the UI or network and is essential when handling thousands of records.
5. Reuse Queries with Variables:
   • Define variables for dynamic queries so you can adjust input parameters without rewriting the entire query each time.
6. Take Advantage of Saved Queries:
   • Save frequently used queries for quick access and consistent results. Saved queries streamline regular data pulls and support collaboration across teams.
7. Work Programmatically Where Needed:
   • For automation and integration, use the GraphQL API endpoint with scripts or tools like PyNautobot to execute and process queries outside the web UI.
8. Stay Secure:
   • Always authenticate with the appropriate API token for secure access, especially when using scripts or API calls.
9. Debug with Query History:
   • Utilize the query history in the GraphiQL UI to revisit, refine, or troubleshoot previous queries without retyping.
10. Remember Read-Only Scope:
    • The Nautobot GraphQL implementation is currently read-only; data modification is not supported. Be clear about this limitation, especially when transitioning from REST workflows.

By following these tips, you’ll make your data discovery and reporting in Nautobot more precise, efficient, and maintainable.

Encountering issues with the Nautobot GraphQL Data Explorer? Use the steps below to troubleshoot and resolve the most common problems:

1. Query Returns an Error:
   • Double-check your query syntax using the autocomplete and highlighting in the GraphiQL interface.
   • Open the Documentation Explorer (“< Docs”) panel to verify that field names, relationships, and arguments exist and are correctly spelled.
2. Only Expected Fields Are Returned:
   • GraphQL only provides fields you explicitly request; if you're missing data, ensure you have included all desired sub-fields and nested objects in your query structure.
3. Pagination or Large Datasets Not Behaving as Expected:
   • Be sure to use limit and offset parameters appropriately to control large result sets.
   • When paginating, check that your offsets and limits align with your desired results and don't accidentally skip or duplicate data.
4. Query Fails When Using Variables:
   • Confirm that all variables used in the query are defined in the Variables panel and that their names match exactly, including case sensitivity.
   • If a required variable is missing or incorrectly formatted, Nautobot may return an error or an empty result.
5. Saved Query Will Not Execute:
   • Review the saved query’s syntax and variable usage for errors.
   • Some saved queries require input variables; make sure you provide all necessary values when running via the UI or API.
6. Authentication or Permission Issues:
   • If using the API programmatically, double-check that your API token is correct, active, and has appropriate permissions for the data you’re querying.
   • Ensure you’ve provided authentication headers in tools such as Postman or Python scripts.
7. Schema or Field Seems Missing:
   • Clear your browser’s cache or reload the GraphiQL UI to ensure you have the latest schema loaded.
   • If a custom field or relationship is missing, confirm it was created and published correctly in Nautobot.
8. Programmatic Access Issues:
   • When using external tools or scripting, make sure your request format matches Nautobot's requirements: POST requests with the query in the body and Content-Type set to application/json.
   • Validate your JSON structure and double-check required fields and endpoints.

If issues persist, revisit your query step by step, starting from a known good example and gradually incorporating your specific changes to isolate the problem.