Title

AWS re:Invent 2023 - Using federated GraphQL APIs for backend-for-frontend architectures (FWM313)

Summary

Traditional API architectures faced challenges with different device requirements, leading to overfetching and underfetching issues.
Backend-for-frontend (BFF) pattern emerged to create specific backends for different user experiences, reducing the bottleneck of a single API backend.
GraphQL was introduced as a protocol solution to the limitations of REST, allowing for more efficient data fetching and real-time updates.
AWS AppSync is a managed service that runs GraphQL workloads in the cloud, offering scalability, security, and integration.
Capital One shared their use case of using AWS AppSync for their dining reservation platform, demonstrating the benefits of GraphQL and BFF patterns.
AppSync's new feature, Merged APIs, allows for federated cross-team API development, enabling teams to work on separate parts of an API and merge them for a unified schema.
Best practices for schema design, security, and deployment were discussed, including the use of directives, IAM roles, and CI/CD pipelines.
Reference architectures were presented, showcasing how to use AppSync with various AWS services and data sources.
Two federation approaches were compared: the build-time merged API approach and the runtime gateway approach, with guidance on when to use each.
A demo was provided, illustrating the process of creating a merged API with AppSync and demonstrating the power of federated GraphQL APIs.

The BFF pattern and GraphQL can significantly improve the efficiency of API backends by tailoring responses to specific client needs and reducing unnecessary data transfer.
AWS AppSync's ability to scale, secure, and integrate GraphQL workloads makes it a strong choice for organizations looking to adopt GraphQL and BFF patterns.
The introduction of Merged APIs in AppSync is a significant development, as it allows for better collaboration across teams and domains without sacrificing the benefits of a unified API endpoint.
The best practices highlighted in the talk emphasize the importance of careful schema design, robust security measures, and thorough testing and deployment strategies.
The choice between a merged API approach and a gateway approach depends on the specific use case and the types of APIs involved, suggesting that a one-size-fits-all solution is not always the best strategy.
The demo provided a practical example of how federated GraphQL APIs can be implemented and the benefits they bring, such as combining data from multiple sources into a single API call.