Access requested fields in resolver mapping template

Question

When we request a GraphQL query, for instance,

query GetPost {
  singlePost(id: 123) {
    id
    title
  }
}

and we have configured a Lambda resolver in AWS AppSync, the request mapping template,

{
    "version": "2017-02-28",
    "operation": "Invoke",
    "payload": {
        "resolve": "singlePost",
        "query": $utils.toJson($context.arguments)
    }
}

allows us to define the event object passed to the lambda handler.

For the above example, our Lambda handler would be invoked with an event event wherein event.payload.query.id == 123 or the like.

According to the docs the $context object comprises,

{
    "arguments" : { ... },
    "source" : { ... },
    "result" : { ... },
    "identity" : { ... },
    "request" : { ... }
}

That said, the documentation does not mention where I can access the requested fields of the GraphQL query.

For the former example, these fields would correspond to ["id", "title"].

In the case that I need to resolve some nested properties, e.g. a tags array, of an object through an expensive operation, e.g. a SQL join, it would be beneficial if I could check if this nested property is actually requested.

This question relates to How to get requested fields inside GraphQL resolver?, however, it differs from in the GraphQL implementation graphql-tools vs AppSync.

Answer 1

This is actually not something that AppSync supports today, unfortunately. It is, however, a request we've heard from other customers, and I'll use this post as a +1 to prioritize it for a future release.

Answer 2

There is now a $context.info.selectionSetList field that includes the requested field names. The official docs provide an example and explain some special use cases around interfaces and aliases.