API gateways
An API gateway is a central component in a microservices architecture that acts as an intermediary between clients (such as web or mobile applications) and the backend microservices. It provides a single entry point for clients to access various microservices and is responsible for handling requests, routing, load balancing, security, and other cross-cutting concerns. The API gateway simplifies client-side interactions and improves the overall performance, security, and manageability of the microservices system.
Here are some key functions and benefits of an API gateway:
- API aggregation: In a microservices architecture, clients may need to interact with multiple microservices to fulfill a single request. The API gateway can aggregate the necessary data from multiple microservices and present it to the client as a single cohesive response, reducing the number of API calls the client needs to make.
- Request routing: The API gateway routes incoming requests...