GraphQL Migration Readiness Checklist
A readiness checklist for REST-to-GraphQL migrations covering schema-first design, N+1 batching, query-cost limits, field-level authorization, and coexistence with REST. It avoids GraphQL's common performance and security traps.
When to Use This Checklist
Use this checklist when migrating from REST to GraphQL or adding a GraphQL layer over existing services. GraphQL lets clients request exactly the fields they need from a typed schema, but it shifts performance, caching, and security concerns in ways REST teams may not expect. This checklist ensures those concerns are addressed before launch.
How to Use This Checklist
Begin with schema-first design and a clear ownership model, then map existing REST resources to types and resolvers. Treat the N+1 query problem and query-cost limits as required, because GraphQL's flexibility makes both abuse and accidental load easy. Apply field-level authorization rather than relying on endpoint checks. Decide how GraphQL coexists with REST, and add schema linting with breaking-change detection in CI before clients depend on the schema.
What Good Looks Like
A ready GraphQL migration has a schema-first design with clear ownership, resolvers that batch to avoid N+1 queries, and enforced depth and complexity limits. Authorization is applied at the field level, and per-resolver tracing gives observability into slow paths. Schema evolution uses deprecation instead of versioned endpoints, CI detects breaking changes, and a coexistence plan with REST is documented along with client migration guidance.
Common Pitfalls
The N+1 query problem is the classic GraphQL trap, turning one request into hundreds of database calls. Teams often apply only endpoint-level authorization, exposing sensitive fields. Without query-cost limits, a single deep query can exhaust resources. Caching is harder than REST and is frequently neglected. Finally, breaking schema changes slip through without CI checks, surprising clients.
Related Resources
Review GraphQL API best practices, API-first design, the Richardson Maturity Model, API rate limiting, and OpenAPI best practices.