An API gateway is an integral component of a larger API management strategy, and plays a key role in the API lifecycle. After the API is created – which includes design, development and testing – it is time to release the API for consumption.
API gateways provide a method of control to secure APIs and keep data safe. An API gateway is often used in conjunction with an API Portal, which is a “storefront” where API consumers can go to access your company’s APIs.
The purpose of an API gateway
An API gateway accepts client calls, routes them to the appropriate service with request routing, composition, and protocol translation, and then delivers the correct, consolidated information to clients. As it performs this function, the API gateway is a single entry point for API calls while providing several services to the API issuer: it provides authentication, monitoring, load balancing, caching, request shaping and management, static response handling, request routing, composition, and protocol translation.
Using an API gateway, businesses can decouple the client interface from their backend implementation. This means that the user is isolated from the technical features of your API business strategy – the authentication service, rate limiting, analytics, monitoring tools, billing system, etc. – so they receive a consistent, dependable experience.
