API gateway
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What is API gateway?
A shared entry point for application programming interfaces that routes requests and applies common access or traffic rules.
An application programming interface (API) lets programs ask each other for data or actions. A gateway sits in front of several APIs. For example, a shop can route checkout calls to payments and order-history calls to orders, while checking access and limiting traffic. It does not replace checks inside each service.
When you would use it
Use it when several APIs need a consistent public entry point and shared request policies.
Common operations
- Route API requests to their owning service.
- Apply access checks and request limits.