Q37: Why doesn't GraphQL use traditional API versioning, and how are breaking changes avoided?
GraphQL avoids /v1 or /v2 endpoints by providing an ever-evolving schema.
Strategy for changes:
- Add new fields alongside existing fields.
- Mark legacy fields using the
@deprecated(reason: "...")directive. - Track field usage metrics in production logs/telemetry before removing unused deprecated fields.
Key Takeaways
- GraphQL relies on single evolving schemas rather than explicit versioned endpoints.
@deprecatedcommunicates field lifecycle changes transparently to clients.
Knowledge Check
How does a server indicate that a schema field should no longer be used?