Introduction

TypoGraph provides a middleware for a GraphQL endpoint. This endpoint accepts valid GraphQL requests for related data and creates a GraphQL response for the client.

Note

This extension only supports operations of the type query so far. While it certainly would be nice to have mutations and subscriptions available, the technical and security-related challenges are much higher and will require careful consideration.

Performance Characteristics

TypoGraph implements a DataLoader pattern to prevent N+1 query problems:

Batch Loading: All related records are fetched in a single optimised query per relation type
Request-Scoped Caching: Each record is loaded only once per GraphQL request
Field Selection: Only fields requested in the GraphQL query are fetched from the database
Order Preservation: Related records are returned in the same order as stored (respects MM table sorting)

For example, querying 100 research disciplines with related entries for experts in these disciplines from a research information database results in only two database queries: one query for all taxonomies and one query for all unique disciplines referenced by those taxonomies.

Origins

This extension has been developed by the Digital Academy of the Academy of Sciences and Literature | Mainz while refactoring on the research information system Portal Kleine Fächer, which provides detailed information on minor subjects at German universities and other institutions of higher education. The examples in this documentation still reflect this initial context.

AI Note

The initial basic extension design has been completely done by humans. However, developers of this extension use Claude Code (Sonnet 4.5, 4.6; Opus 4.6) to streamline routine tasks, upgrades, improve code quality etc. All changes depending on AI (as far as we are aware) are confirmed by a qualified human software developer before merged into the main branch.