What are the best practices for data fetching in Gatsby?

What are the best practices for data fetching in Gatsby?

The best practices for data fetching in Gatsby include using GraphQL for data queries, leveraging static queries for static data, and using page queries for dynamic data. Additionally, consider using Gatsby's built-in caching and optimizing images.

Can you explain how to use GraphQL in Gatsby?

Sure! In Gatsby, you can use GraphQL to query your data by defining a GraphQL query in your page or component. You can access data from various sources like Markdown files, APIs, or CMSs. Use the StaticQuery component for static data or pageQuery for data that changes based on the page.

What are static queries and when should I use them?

Static queries are used to fetch data at build time. You should use them when you need to access data that doesn't change often, like site metadata or static content, as they help improve performance by reducing the number of requests made at runtime.

How can I optimize images in Gatsby?

You can optimize images in Gatsby by using the gatsby-plugin-image and gatsby-plugin-sharp. These plugins allow you to create responsive images, lazy load them, and apply various transformations to improve loading times.