Big query vs multiples queries

Client SDKs
1

Hello folks!

I’m new to GraphQL and was wondering what the best approach is for building a screen in React. Should I go with one big query or split it into multiple GraphQL queries? Thanks in advance!

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Hello @LelouchRevolution,

When it comes to GraphQL, there are a few common strategies to build a screen in React. Each one has trade-offs depending on your use case:

1. Batch GraphQL operations
This is a middle ground where multiple queries are sent in a single HTTP request (batching).

  • You make one HTTP request
  • The server processes multiple operations inside it
  • You get a single combined response (not multiple responses)

This helps reduce network overhead compared to multiple requests, but:

  • It doesn’t improve perceived performance (you still wait for everything)
  • It’s more of a transport optimization than a real UI/data-fetching strategy

:warning: Important:

  • Your server must support batching for this to work

If you’re using Apollo Client / Apollo Server, you’re covered, since Apollo supports batching (with proper setup).

2. Multiple requests
Here, you split your data fetching into separate queries. The advantage is:

  • Each request resolves independently
  • You can render parts of the UI as soon as each request finishes

But there’s an important downside when it comes to scale:

  • If your application grows, the number of requests can become a problem if your infrastructure can’t handle it well

For example:

  • Imagine 100k daily users
  • Your home screen makes 10 requests

That’s 1 million requests per day just for a single screen, which can put significant pressure on your backend, gateways, and network.

Other downsides:

  • More network overhead (multiple round trips)
  • Harder to coordinate loading and error states
  • Possible duplicated logic across queries

3. Big query (single request) + @defer
This is usually the best approach.

You fetch everything the screen needs in one GraphQL query, which gives you:

  • Less network overhead
  • A more “GraphQL-native” approach
  • Better scalability with fragment colocation
  • Each component declares its own data requirements via fragments
  • Easier to maintain and evolve as the app grows
  • Reduces coupling between UI and data fetching logic

The classic downside is that the response waits for the slowest field. For example, with me, products, and cart:

  • me takes ~1s
  • products takes ~2s
  • cart takes ~3s

Without @defer, the full response would only arrive after 3 seconds.

But with @defer, you can keep a single request and receive multiple incremental responses:

  • me arrives first (~1s)
  • products next (~2s)
  • cart last (~3s)

This allows progressive rendering while keeping all the benefits of a single query.

Example using @defer

query HomeScreenQuery {
  ... @defer {
    me {
      id
      name
    }
  }

  ... @defer {
    featuredProducts {
      id
      title
      products {
         id
         name
         image
         price
      }
    }
  }

  ... @defer {
    cart {
      id
      total
      items {
        id
        quantity
        price
      }
    }
  }
}

With this:

  • One request is sent
  • Multiple responses are streamed back over time
  • Your UI can progressively render each section

:warning: Important:

  • Your server must support @defer for this to work
  • Not all GraphQL servers support it out of the box

Again, if you’re using Apollo Client / Apollo Server, they provide support for @defer (with proper configuration).

Fragment colocation (highly recommended)

When working with big queries, a really good pattern is fragment colocation:

  • Each component defines its own fragment
  • The main query just composes those fragments

This keeps your code modular, scalable, and easier to maintain as your app grows.

Good reference:

That article uses GraphQL Code Generator, but it’s worth noting:

  • Apollo Client already supports fragments and data masking out of the box
  • You don’t necessarily need to use useFragment from codegen
  • And under the hood, useFragment isn’t really a hook anyway

This post explains the discussion about Apollo and Codegen regarding fragments:

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Wow Thank you so much! I really appreciate your time in make this detailed response.

I had never heard of the @defer directive. Thanks a lot! I just read more about it, and it seems awesome. Also, the concept of fragment colocation looks really interesting.