Expression Result

Evaluate expressions using Builderius's Expression Language directly within GraphQL queries using expression_result() Pro Feature.

expression_result() enables:

• data transformation: Modify Data output (eg. different date format)
• calculations: Use dynamic and static numeric values to do math
• conditional logic: Output different valuse based on custom conditions
• string manipulation: Change case, concatinate strings...

Expressions use JavaScript-like syntax packed with 100+ built in functions.

Learn Expression Language Syntax

This article covers the expression_result() GraphQL function. For detailed Expression Language syntax, operators, and complete function reference, see Expression Language →.

Expression Function Syntax

Definition

Evaluate expressions using JavaScript-like syntax with expression_result():

General syntax:

expression_result(
  expression: "your_expression_here"
)

Parameters:

• expression (required) - Expression to evaluate using Expression Language

Auto-wrapping: Expressions are automatically wrapped in {{}} if not already wrapped:

expression_result(expression: "upper(post_title)")
# Same as:
expression_result(expression: "{{upper(post_title)}}")

Example

Basic expression examples:

{
  # Math calculations
  sum_result: expression_result(expression: "5 + 3 * 2")
}

JSON Output

JSON response from the example:

{
  "sum_result": 11
}

The function returns strings, numbers, booleans, arrays, or objects depending on the expression result.

Expression Usage Examples

WordPress Data

Using WordPress context data in expressions:

{
  post {
    post_title
    post_content
    post_date
    post_author {
      display_name
    }
    
    # Transform post data
    title_length: expression_result(expression: "count(post_title)")
    
    short_excerpt: expression_result(expression: "limit_words(post_content, 25, '...')")
    
    reading_time: expression_result(expression: "ceil(count(split(post_content, ' ')) / 200) . ' min read'")
    
    formatted_date: expression_result(expression: "date('F j, Y', strtotime(post_date))")
    
    author_first_name: expression_result(expression: "split(post_author.display_name, ' ')[0]")
    
    # Conditional content
    has_content: expression_result(expression: "post_content ? 'Has content' : 'No content'")
    
    is_long_post: expression_result(expression: "count(split(post_content, ' ')) > 500 ? 'Long read' : 'Quick read'")
  }
}

With Variables

GraphQL Variables in Expressions:

Expressions can access other fields in your query and can reference global data:

Variable syntax:

• Local variables: field_name syntax
• Global variables: [[global_variable]] syntax

{
  post {
    post_title
    post_content
    custom_excerpt: acf_value(name: "custom_excerpt")
    
    # Expression automatically accesses other fields
    display_excerpt: expression_result(
      expression: "custom_excerpt ? custom_excerpt : limit_words(post_content, 30)"
    )
    
    # Combine multiple fields
    seo_title: expression_result(
      expression: "post_title . ' | ' . '[[wp.site_name]]'"
    )
    
    # Use field data in calculations
    title_and_content_length: expression_result(
      expression: "count(post_title) + count(post_content)"
    )
  }
}

Expression vs PHP Function Comparison

Feature	expression_result()	php_function_output()
Syntax	JavaScript-like expressions	PHP function calls
Functions	100+ custom Builderius functions	Any PHP function
Operators	Full expression operators (+, -, *, /, ==, etc.)	Only function arguments
Context	Automatic access to query data	Must pass via arguments
Complexity	Can combine multiple operations	One function per call
Use Case	Data transformation, calculations, logic	Calling specific WordPress/PHP functions

When to Use Each

Use expression_result() for:

• Data transformation and formatting
• Mathematical calculations
• Conditional logic and display rules
• String manipulation and processing
• Array operations

Use php_function_output() for:

• WordPress-specific functions
• Plugin API calls
• Complex PHP operations
• Accessing WordPress data not available in GraphQL

Learn More About Expressions

For complete Expression Language syntax, all available functions, operators, and advanced patterns, see:

Expression Language Introduction →

• 100+ built-in functions
• Operators and conditional logic
• Array processing and transformations
• WordPress integration functions
• Advanced expression patterns

Use expression_result() to transform and process data within your GraphQL queries, enabling dynamic content that responds intelligently to your data with powerful, flexible expressions.