GraphQL API development
GraphQL API Development
Flexible, well-typed APIs for web, mobile and partner applications.
GraphQL is a query language and runtime for APIs that lets clients ask for exactly the data they need. We design GraphQL schemas, build servers over your existing databases and REST services, and add the security, performance and monitoring a production API needs.
What we cover
- Schema design
- Resolvers and data loading
- Federation across services
- Authentication and authorisation
- Performance and caching
- Monitoring and query limits
Requirement-led advice · Documented handover
- Advice based on your requirements
- Works with your existing stack
- Documented, maintainable delivery
What Is GraphQL?
GraphQL describes an API as a typed schema of objects, fields and relationships. Clients send queries that list exactly the fields they want, mutations to change data and subscriptions for real-time updates, all through a single endpoint. Because the schema is typed and introspectable, tools can generate client code, documentation and validation automatically.
On the server, resolvers fetch each field from databases, REST APIs or other services. Good GraphQL servers batch these lookups to avoid the N+1 query problem, limit query depth and cost to prevent abuse, and apply authorisation at the field or object level. Federation lets several teams own parts of one combined graph.
When GraphQL is a good fit
- Several front ends (web, mobile, partners) need different views of the same data.
- Clients make many REST calls to build one screen.
- Data comes from several back-end services you want to present as one API.
- You want a strongly typed contract between front-end and back-end teams.
What We Build With GraphQL
Typical GraphQL APIs.
Front-end APIs
One API tailored to web and mobile screens.
API aggregation
Combine several services and databases behind one schema.
Partner APIs
Typed, documented APIs for external developers.
Real-time features
Subscriptions for live updates.
REST modernisation
Add GraphQL in front of existing REST services.
Data APIs
Expose database data safely with access rules.
Federated graphs
Several teams contribute to one graph.
AI tool access
Well-typed operations that agents can call.
GraphQL Services We Deliver
Each piece of work has a clear output, so you know what you will receive.
Schema design
Model types and operations around client needs.
Deliverables: schema, design guidelines
Server development
Resolvers over databases and REST APIs with tests.
Deliverables: GraphQL server, test suite
Federation
Split a graph across teams and services.
Deliverables: federated architecture, gateway
Security
Authentication, field-level authorisation, depth and cost limits.
Deliverables: security design, configuration
Performance
Batching, caching and persisted queries.
Deliverables: performance report, optimisations
Operations
Monitoring, schema change checks and documentation.
Deliverables: dashboards, CI checks, API docs
GraphQL Tools We Use
Chosen to match your language and platform.
Servers
- Hot Chocolate for .NET
- Apollo Server
- GraphQL Yoga
- Strawberry for Python
Architecture
- Apollo Federation
- Schema stitching
- Data API builder
- Azure API Management
Performance and safety
- DataLoader batching
- Persisted queries
- Depth and cost limits
- Response caching
Developer experience
- Code generation
- Schema registry
- GraphiQL and documentation
- Contract testing in CI
Listing a feature here does not mean every project uses it. We recommend what fits your requirements, skills, licensing and running costs.
How GraphQL Fits Your Stack
We build GraphQL servers in .NET with Hot Chocolate or in Node.js, over databases such as SQL Server and Azure SQL and existing REST services. Microsoft also offers GraphQL options in Microsoft Fabric and Azure API Management.
A well-designed GraphQL API is also a good base for AI tools: operations can be exposed to agents through Model Context Protocol servers with the same access rules.
Implementation Considerations
- Design the schema around client needs, not database tables.
- Batch resolver lookups to avoid N+1 queries.
- Limit query depth and cost, and consider persisted queries for public APIs.
- Apply authorisation at field and object level, not only at the endpoint.
- HTTP caching is harder than with REST; plan caching deliberately.
- Check schema changes in CI so clients do not break.
How We Work With GraphQL
The same four steps we use across our technology work, adapted to your scope.
Discover
Goals, users, constraints and the systems GraphQL must work with.
Select
Confirm GraphQL is the right fit and agree the architecture and scope.
Build and integrate
Deliver in short iterations with testing, reviews and documentation.
Operate and improve
Monitor, support and improve the solution as your needs change.
GraphQL Questions, Answered
What is GraphQL?
A query language and runtime for APIs where clients request exactly the fields they need from a typed schema.
GraphQL or REST?
REST suits simple resource APIs and HTTP caching. GraphQL suits several clients with different data needs and aggregated back ends. Many systems use both.
Can GraphQL sit on top of our existing REST APIs?
Yes. Resolvers can call existing REST services, so you can add GraphQL without rewriting back ends.
How do you secure a GraphQL API?
Authentication, field-level authorisation, depth and cost limits, rate limiting and persisted queries where appropriate.
What is GraphQL federation?
A way for several services to each own part of the schema, combined into one graph by a gateway.
Which languages do you use?
Mostly .NET with Hot Chocolate and Node.js, and Python where it fits your stack.
Designing an API?
Tell us about your clients, data sources and constraints, and we will suggest an approach.
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