# schema design Schema design is the process of defining and organizing the structure, meaning, and constraints of data or metadata for applications and information systems. This is one page of public article previews, not the complete archive. Follow Next page to continue. Summaries are not the original full articles. ## How To Make Your Existing GraphQL API AI-Ready With Apollo DevFeed: [How To Make Your Existing GraphQL API AI-Ready With Apollo]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Kaitlyn Barnard Published: 2026-03-19T10:00:17Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Apollo Blog]() Topics: [GraphQL](), [Model Context Protocol (MCP)](), [MCP Server](), [Large Language Model](), [schema design](), [Artificial Intelligence]() Tags: [agents](), [ai-agents](), [apollo-mcp-server](), [best-practices](), [graphql](), [llm](), [mcp-server](), [schema-design]() ### AI overview A guide to making an existing GraphQL API usable by AI agents. It explains how GraphQL's type system and introspection help agents, why schema design should account for LLM consumption, and how Apollo MCP Server exposes GraphQL through the standardized Model Context Protocol without requiring infrastructure changes. ### Source excerpt Turn your existing GraphQL API into a powerful interface for AI agents--learn schema design best practices and how Apollo MCP Server enables reliable, standardized LLM integration without changing your infrastructure. ## API Orchestration with Connectors - Thinking in Entities DevFeed: [API Orchestration with Connectors - Thinking in Entities]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Michael Watson Published: 2025-02-12T16:51:19Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Apollo Blog]() Topics: [Orchestration](), [OpenAPI Specification](), [schema design](), [GraphQL]() Tags: [api](), [apollo-connectors](), [graphql](), [openapi](), [openapi-specification](), [orchestration](), [patterns](), [rest](), [schema-design](), [swagger]() ### AI overview This tutorial introduces API orchestration with Apollo Connectors for REST and explains how to identify entities in existing APIs before exposing them through a connector. It emphasizes using unique identifiers and preserving existing REST API domain definitions when designing the schema. ### Source excerpt Since we first announced Apollo Connectors for REST at GraphQL Summit 2024, there has been an enormous amount of excitement from the community to dive in. I've been working with dozens of Enterprises on their use cases from breaking apart existing monoliths to integrating multiple production OpenAPI specification endpoints. In my work, there have been some patterns that have emerged and I wanted to start a new blog series that helps share the happy path to building faster. ## Virtual Events - Deep Dive into Schema Design Best Practices DevFeed: [Virtual Events - Deep Dive into Schema Design Best Practices]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Michael Watson Published: 2023-03-08T11:45:12Z Content type: news Language: en Sources: [Apollo Blog]() Topics: [GraphQL](), [schema design](), [API]() Tags: [announcement](), [api](), [events](), [graphql](), [schema-design]() ### AI overview Apollo announces a two-session virtual event covering GraphQL schema design best practices. The program includes a Tech Talk on March 9 and a Workshop on March 16, focused on designing readable, scalable, well-documented schemas and avoiding unexpected breaking changes. ### Source excerpt Are you interested in building a successful GraphQL API? Then you won't want to miss the upcoming Tech Talk + Workshop that dive deep into Schema Design Best Practices. The event is split into two sessions, the first being a Tech Talk on March 9th at 10am PT, and the second being a Workshop on March 16th at 9am PT. ## Supercharge your GraphQL stack with GraphOS Cloud DevFeed: [Supercharge your GraphQL stack with GraphOS Cloud]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Jack Sellwood Published: 2023-03-06T10:56:18Z Content type: release Language: en Sources: [Apollo Blog]() Topics: [GraphOS](), [GraphQL](), [Cloud](), [Serverless](), [Routing (disambiguation)](), [schema design]() Tags: [announcement](), [cloud](), [graphos](), [graphql](), [router](), [schema-design](), [serverless](), [writing]() ### AI overview Apollo announces the general availability of GraphOS Cloud, a hosted platform for GraphQL APIs that provides graph routing and tools for query development, collaboration, and schema design. It includes a Serverless plan with 10 million free queries per month. ### Source excerpt You've heard it a million times: everything you need, and nothing more, all in a single query. It's the core promise of GraphQL, but it presents a challenge. To truly get everything in a single query, you need to put everything you have into a single graph. At Apollo, we've spent the better part of three years designing a GraphQL architecture to address that challenge -- we call it supergraph architecture. ## Rethinking React components with @defer DevFeed: [Rethinking React components with @defer]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Michael Watson Published: 2023-01-17T15:29:47Z Content type: release Language: en Sources: [Apollo Blog]() Topics: [GraphQL](), [GraphOS](), [Single-page application (SPA)](), [React](), [schema design]() Tags: [announcement](), [component](), [graphos](), [graphql](), [react](), [schema-design](), [state-management]() ### AI overview This article explains how GraphQL's @defer directive can split a query response into multiple parts, allowing faster initial responses while slower fields load later. It announces full supergraph support for @defer in GraphOS and describes using a supergraph router with an existing GraphQL API. ### Source excerpt Since the rise of the frontend framework and the framework wars of the 2010s, we've all gotten pretty used to the idea of building single-page apps that load a JavaScript bundle and then send queries to a server dynamically as a user clicks around. The move to single-page apps was driven by the need to create faster, more interactive user experiences. As with every great innovation, solving one problem just opens your eyes to the next one. ## GraphQL Summit 2022 Recap: Highlights and Apollo GraphOS Product Announcement DevFeed: [GraphQL Summit 2022 Recap: Highlights and Apollo GraphOS Product Announcement]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: David Isquick Published: 2022-10-17T14:03:49Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Apollo Blog]() Topics: [GraphQL](), [GraphOS](), [schema design](), [Cloud]() Tags: [announcement](), [announcements](), [apollo](), [apollo-federation](), [developers](), [graphql](), [livestream](), [platform](), [recap](), [schema-design](), [summit](), [workshops]() ### AI overview A recap of GraphQL Summit 2022 covering workshops, talks, keynotes, networking, and product announcements. The article highlights the introduction of Apollo GraphOS and sessions on supergraph development, schema design, security testing, authorization, real-time data, and resolver practices. ### Source excerpt The Apollo team is still feeling the energy from spending three days in San Diego with over 1000 developers and engineering leaders. And, to the thousands of remote attendees, thank you. We are glad you were able to join in the action via Livestream! Summit participants attended workshops, panels, and sessions on all things GraphQL with a focus on how to successfully build supergraphs. ## The Graph Architect's Guide to GraphQL Summit 2022 DevFeed: [The Graph Architect's Guide to GraphQL Summit 2022]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Melissa Annecchini Published: 2022-09-15T17:36:41Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Apollo Blog]() Topics: [GraphQL](), [schema design](), [Domain-driven design (DDD)](), [Functional programming](), [C#](), [Elixir](), [Java](), [JavaScript]() Tags: [announcement](), [apis](), [apollo-federation](), [architecture](), [best-practices](), [c-sharp](), [domain-driven-design](), [elixir](), [functional-programming](), [graphql](), [java](), [javascript](), [product](), [schema-design](), [summit](), [techniques]() ### AI overview This Apollo blog promotes GraphQL Summit 2022 for graph architects and previews sessions on federated supergraph architecture, Apollo Federation, subgraph development across several languages, and large-scale GraphQL schema design. ### Source excerpt Calling all graph architects! If you are looking for inspiration, best practices, and help building or scaling your organization's supergraph architecture, then this blog is for you. Read on for your graph architect's guide to GraphQL Summit 2022. #ICYMI: GraphQL Summit 2022 is back in person October 3-5 in San Diego for 3 days of surf, sun, and all things GraphQL. Register today to avoid all the FOMO. ## Generated GraphQL Schemas and Schema Design DevFeed: [Generated GraphQL Schemas and Schema Design]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Shane Myrick Published: 2022-09-01T09:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Apollo Blog]() Topics: [GraphQL](), [schema design](), [API]() Tags: [api](), [apis](), [backend](), [graphql](), [rest-apis](), [schema](), [schema-design](), [sql](), [tooling]() ### AI overview This article explains how GraphQL schemas define the types and operations available through an API. It distinguishes generated schemas from schema-first and code-only approaches, and introduces trade-offs involved in designing schemas for client needs. ### Source excerpt GraphQL is a type-safe language for APIs. A common misunderstanding is that GraphQL is another complete query language, like SQL, which allows you to search, filter, and select all the objects in a database. Instead, GraphQL should be thought of as a way to specify the types of data available and the specific operations users can perform over an API. ## Schema-First vs Code-Only GraphQL DevFeed: [Schema-First vs Code-Only GraphQL]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Shane Myrick Published: 2022-08-29T09:00:00Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Apollo Blog]() Topics: [GraphQL](), [schema design](), [apollo-server](), [JavaScript](), [Kotlin](), [OpenAPI Specification](), [SQL]() Tags: [api-server](), [backend](), [graphql](), [javascript](), [kotlin](), [openapi](), [resolvers](), [schema](), [schema-design](), [sql]() ### AI overview This article explains schema-first and code-only approaches to building GraphQL servers. It compares how schemas and resolvers are defined, discusses generated schemas from external sources such as OpenAPI and SQL databases, and introduces misconceptions about the approaches. ### Source excerpt When creating a GraphQL server there are two artifacts required by the GraphQL engine: a schema, which defines all the types and fields, and the resolvers, which are the collection of functions that are called to return the data for those types. Since GraphQL can be implemented in many different programming languages, there are of course many tools and libraries you can use to create a server and execute requests. ## Federated Schema Design DevFeed: [Federated Schema Design]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Michael Watson Published: 2022-04-20T09:23:00Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Apollo Blog]() Topics: [GraphQL](), [schema design](), [Amazon API Gateway](), [Back end]() Tags: [api-gateway](), [apollo-federation](), [backend](), [frontend](), [graphql](), [mobile-apps](), [schema-design]() ### AI overview This tutorial explains how to design extensible and maintainable federated GraphQL schemas. It presents the supergraph as a platform that can reuse capabilities across products and services, and contrasts federated schema design with a monolithic approach. ### Source excerpt Introduction If you've been building with GraphQL, you likely know how essential good schema design is. As the entry-point to all your GraphQL operations, it's desirable to design a schema that's easy to understand and work with, serves the needs of our clients today, and can be changed to fit their needs tomorrow. This article teaches about the supergraph, platform thinking, and why it's key to designing your graph for extensibility. ## Designing Your First GraphQL Schema DevFeed: [Designing Your First GraphQL Schema]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Ceora Ford Published: 2021-12-08T12:37:53Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Apollo Blog]() Topics: [GraphQL](), [schema design](), [API](), [Graphs](), [Structured-data]() Tags: [api](), [graphql](), [map](), [schema](), [schema-design](), [sdl](), [ui]() ### AI overview This tutorial introduces principles for designing a flexible and evolvable GraphQL schema. It emphasizes understanding the application domain, users, and UI, then mapping application data as objects and relationships in a graph. ### Source excerpt Building schemas are a key part of building a graph. Schemas are one of the major benefits of using GraphQL. The schema defines how clients can retrieve and data from your GraphQL API. With schemas, you can easily shape and evolve your data to fit your specific business, product, or project needs. If you're new to the GraphQL world, you might be wondering how you can build flexible and evolvable schemas. ## Apollo Workbench: A Better Way to Design Federated Graphs DevFeed: [Apollo Workbench: A Better Way to Design Federated Graphs]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Michael Watson Published: 2021-07-21T10:30:04Z Content type: release Language: en Sources: [Apollo Blog]() Topics: [schema design](), [GraphQL](), [Tool](), [Template]() Tags: [apollo](), [apollo-federation](), [backend](), [design](), [graphql](), [mocking](), [schema-design]() ### AI overview Apollo introduces Apollo Workbench, a tool for designing federated GraphQL schema changes before implementation. It supports composition-error checking, query-plan explanation, and local mocking to shorten feedback loops and help client developers work against a mocked federated graph. ### Source excerpt I've been helping companies develop their graph using Apollo Federation for over two years now, and it's amazing to see all the different applications they've enabled. In developing one graph, companies often struggle to define a process for effectively governing changes to the federated schema. Some companies use a Google doc, while others use a blank piece of paper to plan out a new schema change. Regardless, there is always some medium used as a "template" for the desired governance process. ## 9 Lessons From a Year of Apollo Federation DevFeed: [9 Lessons From a Year of Apollo Federation]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Kyle Schrade Published: 2020-11-06T11:23:47Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Apollo Blog]() Topics: [GraphQL](), [API](), [schema design](), [Documentation](), [Caching]() Tags: [api](), [backend](), [caching](), [documentation](), [graphql](), [performance](), [schema-design]() ### AI overview StockX shares nine lessons from running a federated GraphQL implementation with Apollo Federation in production for more than a year. The article covers incremental schema design, schema documentation, performance improvements, payload-size reduction, and related infrastructure challenges. ### Source excerpt At StockX, we've been running a federated GraphQL implementation for over a year now. Like any distributed system, the rewards it comes with also comes with challenges to overcome. Overall, we've had a positive experience serving our APIs with GraphQL and Apollo Federation. In this post, I'd like to highlight some of the most important lessons we've learned over the past year running a federated graph in production. 1. Build your schema as you go, don't try to do it all at once. ## SQL Tips for Application DBAs DevFeed: [SQL Tips for Application DBAs]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Haki Benita Published: 2020-07-26T21:00:00Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Haki Benita]() Topics: [SQL](), [Development](), [Databases](), [schema design](), [data migrations](), [etl]() Tags: [articles](), [data-migrations](), [databases](), [development](), [etl](), [performance](), [schema-design](), [sql]() ### AI overview An application DBA shares practical SQL and database-development advice, including limiting updates to rows that need changes and considering constraint costs when loading or updating many rows. ### Source excerpt Some tips and misconceptions about database development I gathered along the way. ## Learning GraphQL DevFeed: [Learning GraphQL]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Eve Porcello Published: 2018-09-06T23:44:00Z Content type: release Language: en Sources: [Apollo Blog]() Topics: [GraphQL](), [Learning](), [apollo-client](), [apollo-server](), [React](), [schema design](), [Database](), [GitHub]() Tags: [announcement](), [announcements](), [api](), [apollo-client](), [authorization](), [database](), [github](), [graphql](), [learning](), [program](), [react](), [schema-design]() ### AI overview Moon Highway announces that its second O'Reilly book, Learning GraphQL, has started shipping. The book introduces GraphQL history, schema design, and the query language, then covers a full-stack application using Apollo Server 2.0, Apollo Client, and React, along with database integration, GitHub authorization, and production API management. ### Source excerpt I've never been surfing. To me, surfing forces you to put a lot of trust in the ocean, and I do not trust the ocean at all. If I ever felt the need to go surfing, I probably wouldn't head out to Mavericks on Day One. Instead, I'd start in a lesson, doing that thing where you lie on your surfboard on the beach and pretend to surf until the instructor trusts you not to drown. ## Apollo Day SF: from promise to production with GraphQL DevFeed: [Apollo Day SF: from promise to production with GraphQL]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Matt DeBergalis Published: 2018-06-11T23:55:04Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Apollo Blog]() Topics: [GraphQL](), [Development](), [React](), [Server-side rendering](), [schema design](), [GitHub](), [Security]() Tags: [apis](), [apollo](), [architecture](), [caching](), [cdn](), [code](), [community](), [development](), [edge](), [engineering](), [github](), [graphql](), [react](), [rest](), [schema-design](), [security](), [server](), [ssr]() ### AI overview Apollo Day SF focused on helping teams move GraphQL and Apollo from early experiments into production. The article highlights ecosystem patterns, schema validation with GitHub integration, Apollo Server 2.0 features, React development, and adoption strategies from Airbnb. ### Source excerpt Thanks to our investments in Apollo tools and libraries, we've had the fortune to work with many product engineering teams putting GraphQL into production. As they move from a few first experiments to serious rollout, they've started to ask important questions. What's the best, right way to use GraphQL and Apollo? How does it fit with the rest of my infrastructure? Who owns this new data layer, and how do we integrate it into our development workflow? ## GraphQL Schema Design: Building Evolvable Schemas DevFeed: [GraphQL Schema Design: Building Evolvable Schemas]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Marc-André Giroux Published: 2018-06-01T18:52:28Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Apollo Blog]() Topics: [GraphQL](), [schema design](), [API]() Tags: [api](), [backend](), [graphql](), [guest-post](), [schema](), [schema-design]() ### AI overview This guest post explains how to design GraphQL schemas that can evolve without serious breaking changes. It recommends using object types instead of simpler structures such as arrays and treating deprecations as a last resort, supported by better tooling and documentation. ### Source excerpt This is a guest post by Marc-Andre Giroux, who is currently working on the ecosystem API team at GitHub. He's been writing and thinking a lot about GraphQL continuous evolution and schema design. His book, Production Ready GraphQL, was released in early March 2020. While GraphQL allows us to continuously evolve our schemas, using deprecations, for example, we should not take the decision of deprecating schema members lightly.