GraphQL Backend API
Production-ready GraphQL API with Node.js, DataLoader for N+1 elimination, JWT auth, role-based authorization, and modular resolver architecture.
Overview
A schema-first GraphQL API built with Node.js, demonstrating best practices for resolver design, query optimization, and secure authentication.
The Problem
REST APIs over-fetch or under-fetch data, requiring multiple round trips. Teams needed a flexible, type-safe API that lets clients request exactly what they need.
The Solution
Implemented a schema-first GraphQL API with DataLoader for batching database queries per-request, eliminating N+1 problems and reducing database load significantly.
Key Features
Schema-first GraphQL API with custom scalar types
JWT authentication with role-based resolver authorization
DataLoader batching and caching — eliminates N+1 queries
Modular resolver architecture organized by domain
Input validation and descriptive error handling
Architecture
Technical Challenges
Scoping DataLoader instances correctly per-request to prevent data leakage between users.
Lessons Learned
DataLoader must be instantiated inside the request context — never as a singleton.
Schema-first design forces API contract clarity before any implementation.
Technologies Used
Project Information
Status
Live
Category
Backend
Client/Repo
Open Source