Routing requests is a core feature of any API gateway. It means deciding where each incoming request should go and making sure it reaches the correct backend service. You use request routing to organize your application, keep services separate, and control how users interact with your system. Without proper routing, requests might end up in the wrong place, causing errors or exposing sensitive data. By setting up clear routing rules, you make your application more reliable, secure, and easier to manage.

How API Gateways Route Requests

An API Gateway acts like a traffic manager for your application. When a client (such as a web browser or mobile app) sends a request, the gateway decides where to send it based on the request’s path and other details.

Directing Requests to the Right Service

Each backend service in your application handles a specific part of your system. The API Gateway uses rules to decide which service should handle each request. These rules often depend on the URL path.

Example:

• A request to /users/123 goes to the user service;
• A request to /orders/456 goes to the order service;
• A request to /products/789 goes to the product service.

The gateway reads the path and sends the request to the correct backend, so clients don’t need to know where each service lives.

Handling Different Paths

You can set up the API Gateway to match different URL patterns and direct them as needed. This makes it easy to add new services or change existing ones without updating every client.

Example:

• /api/v1/users/** can be routed to the user service;
• /api/v1/orders/** can be routed to the order service.

Managing Traffic

API Gateways can also control how much traffic each service receives. If one service is busy, the gateway can limit the number of requests it sends there, or temporarily send requests to a backup service. This helps prevent overload and keeps your application running smoothly.

By using an API Gateway, you make your application more flexible and easier to manage. You control the flow of requests and keep backend services hidden from clients, improving both security and organization.