architv
I currently have a grahql API which sends out json as string. I now want to tweak this to be able send a downloadable json file in the API response. My schema currently currently looks like this:
object :export_data do
field :resp_data, :json
end
My initial idea was to change the resp_data type of a file data type and then in the resolver function return a file (using File.write/2). Something like this:
object :export_data do
field :resp_data, :file
end
But I couldn’t find a data type in the absinthe documentation that supports a file. How do I send a downloadable file in a graphql API response?
Where Next?
Trending in Questions
Other Trending Topics
Latest Phoenix Threads
Latest on Elixir Forum
Sponsor Spotlight
At WyeWorks, we believe great software is built by combining technical excellence with genuine human connection
Categories:
Sub Categories:
Forums
Popular Tags
- #ecto
- #liveview
- #troubleshooting
- #learning-elixir
- #library
- #deployment
- #erlang
- #testing
- #genserver
- #mix
- #absinthe
- #remote-other
- #otp
- #plug
- #how-to-question
- #macros
- #postgres
- #elixirconf
- #channels
- #exunit
- #discussion
- #code-sync
- #podcasts
- #javascript
- #onsite
- #dialyzer
- #docker
- #authentication
- #umbrella
- #full-time-contract
- #podcasts-by-brainlid
- #ecto-query
- #elixirconf-us
- #ai
- #blog-post
- #elixir-ls
- #phoenix_html
- #iex
- #graphql
- #genstage
- #websockets
- #supervisor
- #advent-of-code
- #distillery
- #processes
- #api
- #forms
- #hex
- #security
- #metaprogramming
Our Sponsors
Build Elixir applications with speed and confidence.
Supporting innovation across the BEAM ecosystem.
Catch errors, track performance, monitor hosts and more.
Error tracking, logs, uptime, and Just Enough APM. Built for developers.
Elixir, Erlang & BEAM conferences from Code Sync - join us in 2026!
Bringing learning, work and compliance together since 1987.
**Building the future of software with AI, trust, and human connection.**
The deployment platform built for Elixir: PaaS ease, VPS control.
The team behind Membrane, Popcorn, LiveDebugger. Available for hire.
Courses that'll move you from confusion to "Aha, now I get it!"
Showing Posts 1 to 2- Show Best Posts
- Show All (oldest first)
- Show All (newest first)
olivermt
You would have to build a custom scalar on both sides or base64 encode.
A much easier solution is to make a short lived Phoenix.Token or JTW that allows for file download (like a url with the token on it, similar to how signed urls work in s3). Pass that in the response and then use js to instigate a download.
architv
Hi @olivermt ! Thank you for the response.
That’s correct that’s too much of work for a simple task. Should the API just send the json as a string and let the frontend (react in this case) handle it? Is it possible for frontend to convert string to a file download?