GraphQL Service

GraphQL is an open-source query language and runtime for APIs, developed by Facebook in 2012 and publicly released in 2015. It allows clients to request specific data they need from a single endpoint, eliminating over-fetching and under-fetching of data common in REST APIs. With GraphQL, developers can create a schema outlining all possible data types and operations, allowing clients to query exactly what they require in a consistent and predictable format. This approach offers greater flexibility and efficiency in data retrieval, making it particularly useful for complex applications with interconnected data or those requiring real-time updates. GraphQL supports reading, writing (mutating), and subscribing to data changes, and can work with various programming languages and database systems.

GraphQL and REST API are both common architectural patterns for building APIs but they differ in their approach to data fetching. REST APIs typically expose multiple endpoints, each returning a fixed set of data. This can lead to over-fetching or under-fetching, as the client has limited control over the data received. GraphQL, on the other hand, exposes a single endpoint and allows clients to specify exactly what data they need through queries. This gives clients more flexibility, reduces data transfer, and improves performance. GraphQL also uses a schema to define the available data, providing strong typing and introspection capabilities that REST APIs often lack.

GraphQL enhances application performance by enabling clients to request only the specific data they need, avoiding over-fetching (receiving excess data) and under-fetching (requiring multiple requests for complete information retrieval). This precision reduces data transfer, minimises processing requirements, and accelerates response times, resulting in more efficient and responsive applications. At DeeperThanBlue, we can help implement GraphQL to optimise your data retrieval processes, particularly beneficial for complex systems and microservices architectures.

GraphQL is highly versatile and benefits industries with complex data needs or high-performance requirements. Examples include:

• eCommerce: Streamlines API management for dynamic product catalogues and enhances user experience through faster data retrieval.
• Media and Entertainment: Powers scalable video streaming platforms by efficiently managing metadata from diverse sources.
• Finance: Facilitates real-time dashboards for tracking transactions or market data.
• Healthcare: Integrates multiple data sources to streamline patient records and analytics.
• Logistics: allows real-time updates from devices and vehicles on the delivery process providing enhanced instrumentation and visibility improving the customer experience.
• Telecommunications: Optimises APIs for large-scale customer data operations.

Yes, GraphQL adapts effectively to both small and large applications. For smaller projects, it provides an efficient approach to data fetching, avoiding the typical inefficiencies of REST APIs. In larger, more complex applications, GraphQL’s schema and strong typing deliver significant advantages in managing data dependencies, ensuring consistency, and supporting team collaboration. Its ability to aggregate data from multiple sources also makes it ideal for microservices architectures.

Implementation costs for GraphQL vary based on your specific requirements, including application complexity, chosen tools and libraries, and whether you need enterprise-level features. Many GraphQL tools, such as Apollo Server or GraphQL Yoga, are open-source and free, though additional costs may arise from hosting, development resources, and optional paid services like Apollo Studio for advanced graph management. For businesses, operational savings from reduced API maintenance and improved efficiency often outweigh initial implementation costs.

Absolutely. GraphQL can be seamlessly integrated with existing REST services. It can act as a layer on top of your current REST APIs, aggregating data from multiple endpoints into a single GraphQL endpoint. This approach allows you to gradually adopt GraphQL without requiring an immediate infrastructure overhaul. At DeeperThanBlue, we have expertise in integrating GraphQL with various backend systems including Spring Boot and our own CXOne platform , ensuring a smooth transition and minimal disruption to your existing services.

Introducing GraphQL can be minimally disruptive with proper planning. It can be layered over existing REST APIs, enabling gradual transition without requiring complete backend redesign. However, some disruption may occur during the learning curve for developers unfamiliar with GraphQL’s schema-based approach. Additionally, robust security measures must be implemented to address vulnerabilities like query abuse or denial-of-service attacks. With proper integration strategies, organisations can adopt GraphQL smoothly while reaping its long-term benefits.

GraphQL allows clients to request multiple related entities in a single query, eliminating the need for multiple round trips to the server. This capability is particularly useful in complex systems with deeply interconnected data, as it reduces latency and enhances overall performance.

While GraphQL offers many advantages, it requires additional security measures such as query complexity limits and input validation to prevent misuse. Unlike REST, GraphQL does not inherently enforce role-based access control or rate limiting, so these must be implemented separately.

GraphQL natively supports real-time updates through subscriptions, allowing clients to receive notifications when data changes. This feature particularly benefits applications requiring live updates, such as live feeds, market data or collaborative tools.

Yes, GraphQL is ideally suited for headless architecture, where the backend and frontend systems are decoupled. Its strong typing and single evolving API make it ideal for managing multiple frontend applications from a single backend source. We have implemented a number of headless applications for clients including eCommerce that leveraged GraphQL including our CXOne Storefront and for mobile apps that require high performance and undertake high workloads.

GraphQL’s self-documenting schema and strong typing streamline development and debugging processes, reducing errors and accelerating time-to-market for new features. This efficiency can lead to significant cost savings in development and maintenance.

Yes, GraphQL integrates effectively with legacy systems by functioning as a layer above existing APIs, enabling gradual modernisation without disrupting current infrastructure. This approach allows you to leverage GraphQL’s benefits while maintaining compatibility with older systems. We have leveraged many legacy systems such as Finance, ERP, Warehouse Management, Order Management and many more through the use of GraphQL.