Code-first content modeling

Code-first content modeling

Explore the advantages of code-first schemas and how Scalar brings structure and flexibility to your stack.

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving landscape of content management, the code-first approach has emerged as a powerful paradigm for defining and managing content structures. Unlike traditional UI-based schema editors, code-first modeling puts developers in their comfort zone - working directly with code to define content models.

What is Code-First Content Modeling?

Code-first content modeling is an approach where content schemas are defined in code rather than through graphical user interfaces. This approach offers several advantages:

• Version control integration - Your content models live alongside your application code
• Type safety - Strong typing ensures consistency across your content
• Developer workflow - Use familiar tools and processes for schema changes
• Reduced context switching - Stay in your code editor rather than jumping between interfaces

How Scalar Implements the Code-First Approach

Scalar's approach to code-first content modeling emphasizes:

1. Type Definitions as Schema

type Author = {
  name: string;
  image: Media;
  bio: RichText;
};

type blog-post = {
  title: string;
  slug: string;
  publishDate: Date;
  author: Reference<Author>;
  content: RichText;
  tags: string[];
};

2. Automatic API Generation

From your type definitions, Scalar automatically generates:

• GraphQL API endpoints
• REST API endpoints
• Admin UI forms
• Validation logic

3. Schema Evolution

As your application evolves, your content models can evolve with it:

• Add new fields without breaking existing content
• Migrate data between schema versions
• Deploy schema changes alongside code changes

!Code-first content modeling illustration showing type definitions and schema generation

Benefits for Different Teams

For Developers

• Work in familiar environments
• Maintain consistency through type safety
• Test schema changes with standard tools
• Generate documentation automatically

For Content Teams

• Structured content enforces quality standards
• Predictable content models enable automation
• Powerful querying capabilities
• Reduced dependency on development for content structure changes

Getting Started with Code-First Modeling

To start implementing code-first content modeling with Scalar:

1. Define your content types in TypeScript
2. Import the Scalar SDK
3. Register your models
4. Auto-generate your content API

Conclusion

Code-first content modeling represents the natural evolution of content management for development teams. By bringing content modeling into the developer workflow, Scalar enables more robust, type-safe, and maintainable content structures that can evolve alongside your application.