What is schema-first vs code-first GraphQL development?
Answer
These are two approaches to building a GraphQL schema. Schema-first (SDL-first): you write the schema in SDL (.graphql files) first, then implement resolvers to match it. Tools: Apollo Server, graphql-tools, Nexus (with SDL input). Benefits: schema is the single source of truth, great for API design reviews, language-agnostic. Drawback: schema and resolver code can drift if not kept in sync. Code-first: you define the schema programmatically in code, and the SDL is generated from it. Tools: Nexus, TypeGraphQL, Pothos, Hot Chocolate. Benefits: type safety (TypeScript), no duplication between code and schema, IDE support. Drawback: generated SDL can be less readable. Which to choose: schema-first is great for teams doing design-first API development; code-first is preferred for TypeScript teams wanting end-to-end type safety.