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Product Ideas Pipeline

1169 Ideas

Andrew Montgomery
Practitioner
Andrew MontgomeryPractitioner

Expand GraphQL Query Size Limits to Support Scalable Application DevelopmentGathering Interest

Submitting on behalf of KAES Request SummaryAn increase in the query size limit for the GraphQL API in Cognite Data Fusion (CDF). The current query size restriction creates friction for our internal application development teams who need to retrieve moderate to large volumes of structured operational data in a single call.Business NeedOur application developers are building lightweight, data-rich internal tools for frontline operations teams.These applications are designed to pull:Time series samples across multiple sensors for a given production line Associated events, alarms, or trips within a time window Work orders or files linked to that asset via relationships Aggregated or contextual metadata for assetsHowever, due to current GraphQL query complexity or response size limitations, we are often forced to:Paginate aggressively (which requires maintaining state client-side) Perform multiple sequential queries (increasing latency) Fall back to using the Python SDK, which adds infrastructure complexity and is not viable for modern frontend applicationsExample Limitations EncounteredQuerying data for 10 sensors over 24 hours requires multiple GraphQL calls or switching to the SDK Fetching a list of assets and their most recent alarms or events cannot be done in one query Attempting to pull OEE metrics and supporting raw data exceeds query limits if not broken upWhile we understand pagination is supported, in many real-time or event-driven application contexts, pagination introduces unnecessary overhead and user complexity.Workaround LimitationsOption Limitation Python SDK Not feasible for frontend/web apps; adds middleware and cost Pagination Adds client-side logic and complexity, especially for low-latency UIs Query splitting Requires extra logic, multiple API calls, and longer response times  Requested CapabilitiesWe are requesting the following improvements:Expand max query depth/complexity or size threshold for the GraphQL API Support batched subqueries within a single call (e.g., 10 sensors, one asset, one timestamp range) Improve documentation and telemetry on query limits, so developers can optimize before hitting errors (Optional) Add async support for large GraphQL queries with delayed response if needed for scaleExpected ValueBenefit Impact Reduced app latency Fewer round trips to CDF, less frontend orchestration required Cleaner, more maintainable code Developers write simpler, declarative GraphQL queries Broader adoption of CDF GraphQL Teams can use GraphQL directly without needing SDK wrappers Better operational UX Applications respond more quickly with richer context for operators and engineers  ClosingExpanding the current GraphQL query size limits would have a measurable impact on our ability to scale and sustain application development on CDF. It aligns with our desire to use GraphQL as a first-class integration method — not just for dashboards, but for intelligent, plant-facing apps.We would be happy to participate in design validation or pilot this capability if/when it becomes available.