API Gateway

An API Gateway acts as a single entry point for managing and routing API requests to backend services. In modern architectures—especially microservices—multiple services handle different parts of an application. Instead of clients calling each service directly, an API Gateway sits in front, managing all incoming requests.

Why Use an API Gateway?

✅ Centralized Access: Simplifies client logic by handling authentication, logging, and request routing.

✅ Security & Rate Limiting: Ensures controlled access to backend services.

✅ Response Aggregation: Combines results from multiple services into one response, reducing complexity for clients.

Popular API Gateway Technologies

• Amazon API Gateway – A managed, scalable option on AWS.

• Kong – Open-source and extensible with plugin support.

• NGINX – Often used as a reverse proxy or gateway in high-performance setups.

API Gateways are essential for scalable, secure, and efficient API management in distributed systems.