Case Study
View Case StudyTray.ai
Migrating hundreds of thousands of pages, re-platforming and extending for the leading composable AI integration platform
We are the Hygraph to Joomla migration experts
Challenges with Hygraph
Seriously, who uses GraphQL anymore? The whole thing feels like homework. Beginners get hit with a learning curve, and simple projects often end up feeling more complex than they need to be. The UI can slow to a crawl once your dataset grows, especially if you’re juggling dozens of fields or multiple locales. While the localization tools work, the experience can get messy with 10+ languages, and suddenly your dashboard looks like a spreadsheet that lost a fight.
Integrations are also tricky. Everything runs through GraphQL, which leads to your entire stack still living in REST-land. In that case, expect extra dev time to bridge the gap. If you’re not sure whether Hygraph is the right fit or you’re stuck halfway up the learning curve, reach out. We can help you figure out the cleanest path forward.
Key pain points
You have to really love GraphQL
GraphQL is one of its strongest point but it can be your downfall as well, if your team hasn’t touched GraphQL before, expect a ramp-up period. It’s powerful but definitely not “plug in and go.”
Large dataset performance issues
Once your project grows, the Hygraph UI can start dragging. Big data collections need extra optimization to stay usable.
Interface sluggishness at scale
Heavy models, long lists, and asset-heavy projects can make the dashboard feel slow, especially for editors.
Localization workflow complexity
Managing multiple locales works, but it’s not as intuitive as it looks on paper. Some teams find themselves clicking around more than expected.
Multi-language interface clutter
Multi-language setups work fine, but as soon as you hit double-digit locales, the UI quickly becomes noisy and harder to manage. It’s usable, just not optimised for scale.
REST API integration challenges
If your systems still rely on REST, be prepared for extra engineering. Hygraph is GraphQL-only, so adapters and rework are part of the deal.
Benefits of Joomla
Trying to convince someone to use Joomla in 2025 feels like recommending Internet Explorer. But hey, if you must use it, there are a few redeeming qualities. Joomla does have some genuinely solid features. Native multilingual support without plugins is impressive. Its permission system is more detailed than most enterprise platforms, and the modular structure gives developers a lot of freedom to architect complex, multi-section sites. If you’ve got a big team with lots of editors and need granular control, Joomla won’t fall apart on you.
If you’re absolutely set on Joomla (and we can’t stop you), we’ll point you toward an agency that still proudly builds 2008-core-web-vital-failing templates. Or you can talk to us, and we’ll at least make sure you don’t regret every step of the journey.
Key advantages
Native multilingual support
Joomla ships with multilingual features baked in, so you don’t need a plugin graveyard just to run a site in five languages. It handles translations cleanly and is genuinely one of the few CMSs that gets this right out of the box.
Granular user permission system
Its ACL system is its biggest bragging right. You can lock down roles, workflows, and access rules with a level of control that most CMS platforms still envy.
Custom field capabilities
Joomla gives you solid flexibility with custom fields, letting you shape structured content without hacking together a dozen extensions. It’s powerful enough for complex layouts and multi-section content.
Active developer community
The community isn’t massive, but the people who are there are dedicated, technical, and still shipping useful extensions and documentation. If you're deep in Joomla land, it’s a lifeline.
Strong security foundation
When properly maintained, Joomla is known for being stable and secure. Regular updates and a security-focused core give it an edge over many older open-source CMS setups.
Modular architecture flexibility
Its module-based layout system lets you build multi-section portals, dashboards, and content-heavy sites without bending the platform backward. If you know what you're doing, it’s flexible enough to scale.
Get in touch
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