Overview
GraphQL APIs fail when they're designed without solving the N+1 query problem — every list query becomes O(n) database calls as the GraphQL resolver fetches related data for each item individually. They also fail when they expose the entire data graph without authorization at the field level, giving authenticated users access to any field they can construct a query for. GraphQL's flexibility is its greatest strength and its greatest security surface area.
The GraphQL API Design Framework solves N+1 with DataLoader, implements field-level authorization, and adds query complexity analysis that prevents resource exhaustion attacks while keeping the API useful.
Key Features
Connection pattern for pagination
DataLoader implementation with ordering requirement
Mutation input/payload pattern with UserError
Field-level authorization pattern