---
title: Query
slug: graph/docs/query
docTags: 
createdAt: 2026-07-30T20:30:19.772Z
---

Use Optimizely Graph queries to fetch only the fields and relationships you need in a single request, reducing payload size and improving page performance. This overview introduces the three query patterns Graph supports so you can choose the right shape for interconnected, parent-child, or hierarchical content.

In GraphQL, a query is a request for data from a server. Unlike traditional REST APIs, GraphQL lets you request the data you need with a single query. Specify which fields and relationships to retrieve to reduce the amount of data transferred over the network.

A basic GraphQL query consists of the following three query types:

- [Cyclic queries](docId\:lrqBaN621ggNfDsfZKiHv) – Traverse relationships within the user data schema. Useful for exploring interconnected data structures.
- [Parent and child queries](docId\:YQs1ylMqVzezmVLvRvH14) – Create a single query to retrieve parent documents and their children's data using [joins with linking](docId\:dERIsBL2GW2inAhZJK9y9). Lets you nest queries to fetch related data and use arguments to filter data.
- [Recursive queries](docId:3peEweP1FjuUNE_prLNSc) – Handle hierarchical data structures. Support navigation of nested relationships within your data.