Microsoft Graph is a unified API endpoint that gives you access to Microsoft Cloud services, including Azure AD, Outlook, OneDrive, and more. It simplifies integration between cloud services and enables developers to build apps that communicate with millions of users.
In the context of the AZ-204 Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure exam, implementing solutions that interact with Microsoft Graph is a crucial part. In this article, we are going to explore how to interact with Microsoft Graph, with a few code examples to demonstrate the concepts.
1. Authentication and Authorization
Before interacting with Microsoft Graph, you need to authenticate and authorize your app. Microsoft Graph supports two types of authorization – Delegated permissions (user consent) and Application permissions (admin consent).
You can manage these permissions from the Azure portal -> Azure Active Directory -> App Registrations -> API permissions.
Below is a code snippet in C# for authenticating with Microsoft Graph:
csharp
var client = new ConfidentialClientApplication(
clientId,
“https://login.microsoftonline.com/” + tenant,
redirectUri,
new ClientCredential(clientSecret),
new TokenCache(),
new TokenCache());
var authResult = await client.AcquireTokenForClientAsync(new[] { “https://graph.microsoft.com/.default” });
2. Microsoft Graph Client Library
The Microsoft Graph client libraries simplify the process of calling Microsoft Graph APIs. It provides a fluent API and handles complexities like authentication, batching requests, and more for you.
Here is an example code snippet using the Graph client library:
csharp
GraphServiceClient graphClient = new GraphServiceClient(
new DelegateAuthenticationProvider(
async (requestMessage) =>
{
requestMessage.Headers.Authorization =
new AuthenticationHeaderValue(“bearer”, await authProvider.GetTokenAsync());
}));
var user = await graphClient.Me.Request().GetAsync();
3. Query Microsoft Graph
You can query Microsoft Graph for resources and relationships. For example, to retrieve the signed-in user’s profile, send a GET request to `https://graph.microsoft.com/v1.0/me`, or to fetch the user’s files and photos from OneDrive, send a GET request to `https://graph.microsoft.com/v1.0/me/drive/root/children`.
Here is an example of querying for a user’s details:
csharp
var user = await graphClient.Users[userId]
.Request()
.Select(e => new {
e.DisplayName,
e.Mail,
e.UserPrincipalName
})
.GetAsync();
4. Change Notifications and Track Changes
Microsoft Graph supports tracking changes and receiving notifications when specific resources change. The Graph API provides two options – Polling (manual track changes) and Webhooks (automatically receive notifications).
The table below gives a comparison between Polling and Webhooks:
| Polling | Webhooks | |
|---|---|---|
| Effort | High (Repeated API calls) | Low (Automatic notifications) |
| Real-time data | No (Delayed data) | Yes (Real-time data) |
| Scalability | Low (Increased load on server) | High (Reduced server load) |
In conclusion, Microsoft Graph is a powerful tool that aids in significantly simplifying cross-platform development and integrating different Microsoft Cloud services. The above points are only the beginning and Microsoft Graph has much more to offer, like batching requests, streaming, managing extensions, and more. If you’re preparing for the AZ-204 Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure exam, understanding and implementing solutions that interact with Microsoft Graph is essential.
Practice Test
True/False: Microsoft Graph is used to access data that resides in Microsoft 365, Windows 10, and Enterprise Mobility + Security.
- Answer: True.
Explanation: Microsoft Graph is the gateway to data and intelligence in Microsoft 365, Windows 10, and Enterprise Mobility + Security.
Which of the following can you use to connect with Microsoft Graph?
- a) REST APIs
- b) SDKs
- c) Both of the above
Answer: c) Both of the above
Explanation: You can connect to Microsoft Graph using REST APIs or use one of the Microsoft Graph SDKs.
Single Select: What do you need to set up in the Azure portal to allow access to the Microsoft Graph APIs?
- a) Azure Active Directory (AAD) app
- b) Azure Function App
- c) Azure Logic App
Answer: a) Azure Active Directory (AAD) app
Explanation: An Azure Active Directory (AAD) app needs to be set up in the Azure portal to provide the necessary permissions to access Microsoft Graph APIs.
True/False: Microsoft Graph does not support delta queries for getting changes to data over time.
- Answer: False.
Explanation: Microsoft Graph supports delta queries, enabling applications to discover newly created, updated, or deleted entities without performing a full read of the target resource.
Which of the following data can be accessed with Microsoft Graph API?
- a) Outlook mail
- b) OneDrive
- c) Azure Active Directory
- d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Microsoft Graph API provides access to all types of data including Outlook mail, OneDrive, Azure AD, and more.
True/False: A Microsoft Graph app must have appropriate permissions assigned in the Azure Active Directory (AAD) app registration to access data.
- Answer: True.
Explanation: In order for a Microsoft Graph app to successfully access data, it must have the necessary permissions assigned during the AAD app registration process.
Single Select: Microsoft Graph can allow you to extend Microsoft 365 experiences and build tailored solutions. What development platform does it largely use?
- a) Python
- b) Java
- c) .NET
Answer: c) .NET
Explanation: While Microsoft Graph provides SDKs for multiple platforms like Java, Python etc., it is largely built around .NET platform for extending Microsoft 365 experiences and building tailored solutions.
Multiple Select: Which of the following are delegated permissions in Microsoft Graph?
- a) Read.all
- b) ReadWrite.all
- c) User.Read
- d) Mail.Send
Answer: a) Read.all, b) ReadWrite.all, c) User.Read, d) Mail.Send
Explanation: All the options given are examples of delegated permissions in Microsoft Graph.
True/False: Application permissions in Microsoft Graph are used by apps that run as a background service or daemon.
- Answer: True.
Explanation: Application permissions are used by apps that run without a signed-in user present, such as background services or daemons.
How can you register an app in Microsoft Azure to connect with Microsoft Graph?
- a) Through Azure Active Directory
- b) Through Azure Logic Apps
- c) Through Azure Functions
Answer: a) Through Azure Active Directory
Explanation: Applications that interact with Microsoft Graph are registered in Azure Active Directory.
Interview Questions
What is Microsoft Graph used for in Microsoft Azure?
Microsoft Graph is a service used in Microsoft Azure that provides a unified programmability model to access a vast amount of data in Microsoft 365, Windows 10, and Enterprise Mobility + Security.
What kind of data can be accessed via the Microsoft Graph API?
The Microsoft Graph API allows developers to access a collection of Microsoft resources such as user data, files, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint lists, OneNote, Planner, Excel, and more across the enterprise.
What protocol does Microsoft Graph use for authentication and authorization?
Microsoft Graph uses the Open Authorization (OAuth 2.0) protocol for authentication and authorization.
How can you make a request to Microsoft Graph?
You can make a request by sending an HTTP request via REST to an endpoint, for example, https://graph.microsoft.com/v1.0/. The specific functions of the request are determined by the HTTP method, headers, URL, and query parameters.
When you are implementing applications using Microsoft Graph, what type of permissions can you request access to?
The two types of permissions you can request include delegated permissions and application permissions.
What does Microsoft Graph SDK simplify?
The Microsoft Graph SDK simplifies making requests to the Microsoft Graph API by handling the HTTP communication, error handling, and easily letting developers work with data returned by Microsoft Graph.
How can you obtain application permissions with Microsoft Graph?
To obtain application permissions with Microsoft Graph, you first have to register your app, then in Azure portal under Azure Active Directory, go to ‘App registrations’, then to ‘API permissions’ and select ‘Add a permission’.
Can Microsoft Graph be used to interact with Office 365 services?
Yes, Microsoft Graph is the gateway to data and intelligence in Microsoft 365 which includes Office 365, Enterprise Mobility, and Security and Windows 10.
What are the different types of tokens provided by Microsoft Graph API for authentication?
Microsoft Graph API provides two types of tokens: access tokens and refresh tokens.
How can you extend Microsoft Graph by adding your own app data?
You can extend Microsoft Graph by creating or modifying the schema extensions, or by creating open extensions which allows you to add untyped properties to a resource.
Which programming languages are supported by Microsoft Graph SDKs?
Supported programming languages include .NET, JavaScript, Java and Python.
How do you receive change notifications from Microsoft Graph?
You can subscribe to change notifications by making a subscription request to the Microsoft Graph API, which allows you to monitor changes made to data.
What purpose does the $filter query parameter serve when working with Microsoft Graph API?
The $filter query parameter provides a way to filter a result set based on property values.
How do you handle throttling while interacting with Microsoft Graph?
You can handle throttling by examining HTTP responses for a 429 status code and Retry-After headers, which indicate that your application should halt requests for the specified amount of time.
What is the “me” alias used for in Microsoft Graph API?
The “me” alias is used as a shortcut to get the profile information of the currently signed-in user.
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