The what, when, why, and how of federated GraphQL

Federated architecture, particularly in the context of GraphQL, offers a novel approach to building unified Graph APIs by combining multiple graph schemas through a gateway layer. This architecture allows different teams to work independently on specified portions of the graph while maintaining interoperability, addressing challenges associated with monolithic systems such as tight coupling, scalability issues, and complex maintenance. Federated architecture leverages type references and extensions to connect data between services, allowing incremental adoption and simplifying the integration of legacy APIs. It also provides tools like a query planner and graph manager to optimize query execution and schema management. Despite some trade-offs, federated architecture enhances the flexibility and fault tolerance of distributed systems, making it a compelling choice for modern software development.