axolotl-federation
Axolotl micro-federation architecture - config, schema merging, mergeAxolotls, cross-module dependencies, best practices, and troubleshooting
Best use case
axolotl-federation is best used when you need a repeatable AI agent workflow instead of a one-off prompt.
Axolotl micro-federation architecture - config, schema merging, mergeAxolotls, cross-module dependencies, best practices, and troubleshooting
Teams using axolotl-federation should expect a more consistent output, faster repeated execution, less prompt rewriting.
When to use this skill
- You want a reusable workflow that can be run more than once with consistent structure.
When not to use this skill
- You only need a quick one-off answer and do not need a reusable workflow.
- You cannot install or maintain the underlying files, dependencies, or repository context.
Installation
Claude Code / Cursor / Codex
Manual Installation
- Download SKILL.md from GitHub
- Place it in
.claude/skills/axolotl-federation/SKILL.mdinside your project - Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill
How axolotl-federation Compares
| Feature / Agent | axolotl-federation | Standard Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Support | Not specified | Limited / Varies |
| Context Awareness | High | Baseline |
| Installation Complexity | Unknown | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this skill do?
Axolotl micro-federation architecture - config, schema merging, mergeAxolotls, cross-module dependencies, best practices, and troubleshooting
Where can I find the source code?
You can find the source code on GitHub using the link provided at the top of the page.
SKILL.md Source
## Micro-Federation
- Each domain has its own `schema.graphql`, `models.ts`, `axolotl.ts`, and `resolvers/`
- `axolotl build` merges schemas into a single supergraph
- Each module has its own generated `models.ts` for local type safety
- All modules built and deployed together (not distributed microservices)
---
## Module Adapter
All modules use `graphqlYogaWithContextAdapter<AppContext>()` for typed context. Only root passes a context builder.
```typescript
// every module's axolotl.ts — type-only, no context builder
import { graphqlYogaWithContextAdapter } from '@aexol/axolotl-graphql-yoga';
import type { AppContext } from '@/src/context.js';
const yogaAdapter = graphqlYogaWithContextAdapter<AppContext>();
export const { createResolvers } = Axolotl(yogaAdapter)<Models, unknown>();
// root src/axolotl.ts — WITH context builder (runs once at startup)
const yogaAdapter = graphqlYogaWithContextAdapter<AppContext>(async (initial) => {
// verifyAuth here — runs per-request
return { ...initial, authUser };
});
export const { createResolvers, adapter } = Axolotl(yogaAdapter)<Models, Scalars>();
```
---
## Schema Merging Rules
- **Types merged by name** — fields from all modules combined; conflicting field types cause build failure
- **Root types auto-merged** — `Query`, `Mutation`, `Subscription` fields combined across modules
- **Shared field definitions must match exactly**
---
## No `extend type` — Use `type` Declarations
**Never use `extend type`.** Axolotl merges by name, not SDL extension.
```graphql
# ✅ CORRECT — plain type in each module
# src/modules/users/schema.graphql
type AuthorizedUserQuery {
me: User @resolver
}
# src/modules/posts/schema.graphql
type AuthorizedUserQuery {
posts: [Post!]! @resolver
}
# → merged: AuthorizedUserQuery has both `me` and `posts`
# ❌ WRONG
extend type AuthorizedUserQuery {
posts: [Post!]! @resolver
}
```
Applies to ALL shared types: `Query`, `Mutation`, `AuthorizedUserQuery`, `AuthorizedUserMutation`, and any shared domain types.
---
## Sharing Types Across Modules
Modules can declare the same type name — shared fields must match exactly, unique fields are merged:
```graphql
# users/schema.graphql # posts/schema.graphql
type User { type User {
_id: String! _id: String! # must match
email: String! }
} type Post { owner: User! }
# → merged User has _id + email
```
---
## `mergeAxolotls` Behavior
- **Non-overlapping resolvers** — combined into one map
- **Overlapping resolvers** — executed in parallel, results deep-merged
- **Subscriptions** — first-wins; define each in exactly ONE module
```typescript
import { mergeAxolotls } from '@aexol/axolotl-core';
export default mergeAxolotls(authResolvers, usersResolvers /*, postsResolvers */);
```
---
## Auth Gateway & Cross-Module Access
- Auth module exclusively owns `Query.user` / `Mutation.user` — never duplicate in domain modules
- Domain modules add fields to `AuthorizedUserQuery` / `AuthorizedUserMutation`
- Domain resolvers access auth via `context.authUser` (set by context builder):
```typescript
export default createResolvers({
AuthorizedUserQuery: {
posts: async ([, , context]) => {
return prisma.post.findMany({ where: { authorId: context.authUser!._id } });
},
},
});
```
---
## When to Run `axolotl build`
Run `cd backend && npx @aexol/axolotl build` after any schema/type/field change or federation config change.
---
## Custom Scalars
Declare `scalar Secret` in each module schema that uses it. Map once in root `axolotl.ts`:
```typescript
Axolotl(yogaAdapter)<Models<{ Secret: number }>, Scalars>();
```
See `axolotl-server` skill for `createScalars` implementation.Related Skills
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