What is GraphQL federation? An introduction to federated GraphQL

GraphQL federation is a method that integrates different microservices into a single API endpoint, addressing the challenges of multiple endpoints in software architecture. It enables a unified endpoint by connecting various backend services, termed as "subgraphs," into a single "gateway," allowing frontend applications to access diverse data sources seamlessly. This approach enhances flexibility and scalability in managing microservices, as seen in companies like Netflix, which use GraphQL federation to unify and decouple their API ecosystem. Unlike schema stitching, federation automates the integration of subgraphs, reducing maintenance efforts. Although GraphQL can potentially replace API gateways, it lacks features like security and usage metrics, making a combined approach with API management solutions like Tyk more beneficial. GraphQL's schema-driven structure minimizes over-fetching and under-fetching issues, offering a streamlined querying process with enhanced developer experience and observability.