What is API Gateway?
An API gateway is a server that acts as the single entry point for all API requests to a system of microservices.
An API gateway is a server that acts as the single entry point for all API requests to a system of microservices. It handles request routing, authentication/authorization, rate limiting, request/response transformation, caching, and API versioning.
Popular implementations: Kong, AWS API Gateway, Apigee (Google), Azure API Management, and Traefik. The gateway pattern centralizes cross-cutting concerns that would otherwise need to be implemented in every service.
Modern API gateways also serve as: developer portals (API documentation and key management), analytics platforms (usage tracking, latency monitoring), and monetization engines (usage-based billing, quota management).
Why It Matters
API gateways provide a single point of control for API security, rate limiting, and versioning. Without one, each microservice must implement its own auth, rate limiting, and monitoring — creating inconsistency and security gaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an API gateway?
A single entry point for all API traffic that handles routing, authentication, rate limiting, and monitoring. It centralizes cross-cutting concerns away from individual services.
API gateway vs service mesh?
API gateways handle north-south traffic (external to internal). Service meshes handle east-west traffic (service to service). Most architectures use both.
Related Terms
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