API Gateway (Application Programing Interface)

An API Gateway is a server that acts as an intermediary between clients and backend services. It handles all the tasks involved in accepting and processing up to hundreds of thousands of concurrent API calls, including traffic management, authorization and access control, monitoring, and API version management.

API Gateways are essential in modern microservices architectures, providing a unified entry point for clients and simplifying the management of APIs.

Usage of API Gateways:-

• Request Routing: Directs incoming API requests to the appropriate backend service based on the request path, method, or other criteria.
• Security: Manages authentication and authorization, ensuring that only legitimate requests reach the backend services.
• Rate Limiting: Controls the number of requests a client can make in a given time period to prevent abuse and ensure fair usage.
• Load Balancing: Distributes incoming requests across multiple backend services to ensure no single service is overwhelmed
• Monitoring and Logging: Tracks API usage and performance, providing insights
• Transformation: Modifies requests and responses, such as changing data formats or adding/removing headers