API Gateway: Functions and Benefits

APIs are crucial in enhancing communication between two or more applications. When you need to communicate with your employees on one platform or retrieve information from different applications, you rely on an API. However, this seamless software doesn’t work alone. It depends on various tools, which work together to provide fast and seamless results. One of the most vital API management tools is the API gateway.

What is an API gateway?

An API gateway plays a crucial role in connecting you to various backend services. What does this mean? When you search for information or send out messages, the API gateway gathers this information and routes it to the specific micro-service. The API tool finds the best routing path by accessing various micro-services and compiling the results in seconds. That’s why you can send and receive information quickly.

In short, an API gateway accepts client calls, requests routing and offers protocol translation for the client and backend services.

Functions of an API gateway

Apart from acting as a reverse proxy for all your information, API gateways perform many other functions. They include;

Authentication

Accessing data from online services requires authentication to avoid information theft or hacking. You will notice services asking you to confirm your information multiple times. API gateways often do the authentication of these requests. The tools ensure that your authentication information remains consistent across all platforms connected to you.

Analytics

All your API requests go through the API gateway. Therefore, that’s the perfect place when collecting your API analytics. You can gather the number of requests to various micro-services or the number of requests a specific client is making in a day. You can use this information in rate-limiting to make the API scalable.

Translation

For a user to receive the correct response, the input information needs to be accurate. An API gateway is responsible for formatting the information before routing it to the backend services. That way, you receive clear and specific results. Additionally, it translates and facilitates the transfer of a single call request across multiple applications. For example, you can share your posts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter simultaneously with the help of an API gateway.

API management

The overall function of your API system is crucial in generating more traffic. When you don’t have a stable API management system, it is easy for hackers and third-party clients to access your information. That can lead to loss of data, identity theft, or a slow and crowded API system. An API gateway performs a significant role in intercepting unwanted calls, which can affect the function of your API.

Benefits of an API gateway

1. API gateways maintain the security and integrity of your API interface.

2. By conducting regular analysis and tracking user usage, you can use the information to attract more clients and generate income.

3. Implements rate limiting, which prevents excess traffic and reduces lag time.

4. API gateways use more shortcodes for you and the clients.

5. Facilitates fast information transfer from the client to the source and back.

API interfaces are inevitable in any organization. With more companies embracing modern technologies, understanding the different aspects of API gateways will give you an upper hand. Hopefully, the information above helps you gain an in-depth understanding of API gateways.