An API Gateway acts as a single entry point for all requests coming into your application. Instead of sending requests directly to different backend services, you send them to the gateway, which then routes them to the right place. This approach makes your system easier to manage, more secure, and helps you add new features without breaking existing services. Using an API Gateway simplifies how clients interact with your application and gives you better control over your APIs.

Benefits of Using an API Gateway

An API Gateway acts as a single entry point for all client requests to your backend services. Using an API Gateway brings several important benefits:

Request Routing

• Directs client requests to the correct backend service;
• Allows you to change backend service locations without updating clients;
• Example: A request to /api/orders is automatically sent to the order service, while /api/users goes to the user service.

Security

• Centralizes authentication and authorization checks;
• Protects backend services from unwanted or malicious traffic;
• Example: The API Gateway checks for a valid token before forwarding any request to your services.

Load Balancing

• Distributes incoming requests evenly across multiple instances of a service;
• Helps prevent any single service from getting overloaded;
• Example: If you have three copies of the product service, the API Gateway will send requests to all of them in turn.

Simplified Client Access

• Provides one consistent URL for all client requests;
• Hides the complexity of your backend architecture from clients;
• Example: Clients always use api.myshop.com instead of remembering different URLs for each service.

Using an API Gateway makes your system easier to manage, more secure, and more reliable as your application grows.