---
title: "Introduction"
manual: "TypoGraph"
permalink: "https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/digicademy/typograph:introduction"
source: "introduction/index.rst"
rendered: "2026-09-18T09:10:56+00:00"
---

# Introduction {#introduction-1}

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 {#performance-characteristics}

TypoGraph implements a [DataLoader pattern](https://www.graphql-js.org/docs/n1-dataloader/) 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 {#origins}

This extension has been developed by the [Digital Academy of the Academy of Sciences and Literature | Mainz](https://www.adwmainz.de/forschung/digitale-akademie.html) while refactoring on the research information system [Portal Kleine Fächer](https://www.kleinefaecher.de), 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 {#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.