How to Fix the Sitecore GraphQL ‘Argument Where Has Invalid Value’ Error

Sitecore GraphQL queries can be tricky. Especially when there are undocumented rules

November 9, 2024

By Jeff L'Heureux

Some Queries are Erroring Against the XM Edge Endpoint

Are you having a Sitecore GraphQL search query that is executing well against a Content Management (CM) GraphQL endpoint but fails to execute against the XM Edge endpoint? Is the response containing the following error?

{
  "errors": [
    {
      "message": "Argument \"where\" has invalid value",
      "locations": [
        {
          "line": 2,
          "column": 3
        }
      ],
      "path": [
        "search"
      ]
    }
  ],
  "data": {
    "search": null
  }
}

Cause of the GraphQL Error

This happens when there are where clause groups with at least one clause that use a variable, and at least one clause that do not use variables. Here is an example:

query AllItemsByLanguage($language: String!) {
  search(
    where: {
      AND: [
        { name: "_language", value: $language, operator: EQ }
        { name: "_path", value: "{11111111-1111-1111-1111-111111111111}", operator: EQ }
      ]
    }
  ) {
    results {
      id
    }
  }
}

In the AND clause group, the first clause uses a variable, and the second clause does not.

The Undocumented Rule

There seems to be an undocumented rule when variables are used in a Sitecore GraphQL search queries. If variables are used in a where clause group, the last clause of the group should be one that uses a variable.

The solution is very simple. For each where clause group that use variables, simply move one where clause that uses a variable at the end of the group. Here is the fixed previous query:

query AllItemsByLanguage($language: String!) {
  search(
    where: {
      AND: [
        { name: "_path", value: "{11111111-1111-1111-1111-111111111111}", operator: EQ }
        # Move a clause that uses a variable at the last position of its clause group
        { name: "_language", value: $language, operator: EQ }
      ]
    }
  ) {
    results {
      id
    }
  }
}

This query now executes both on the CM and XM Edge endpoints.

Avoiding Sitecore GraphQL Query Pitfalls

Sitecore GraphQL queries are very powerful and come with a learning curve. I hope this article saved you the lengthy trial and error process we had to go through to find that rule. Come back reading our blog for more tips and solutions.

Happy Sitecoring!

Jeff L'Heureux

Jeff L'Heureux

Director of Technology

Jean-François (Jeff) L'Heureux is an experienced leader in Sitecore and Coveo technologies, having worked in both organizations. He is a three-times Sitecore Technology MVP and three-time Coveo MVP. He has 16 years of software development experience, including ten years of Sitecore experience. He specializes in front-end, and he has experience in technologies like Next.js, React, Vercel, Netlify, Docker, Coveo Cloud, Coveo for Sitecore, Sitecore XP/XM, and the latest Sitecore technologies, including XM Cloud, JSS, CDP, Personalize, OrderCloud, Discover, Send, Search, and Content Hub ONE. Outside work, he can be found outside rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing.