The API Gateway Pattern is a design pattern used in microservices architecture. It acts as a single entry point for clients, managing all interactions between them and the backend services. This pattern simplifies client interactions by encapsulating the complexities of multiple microservices, providing features like request routing, load balancing, caching, and security.
Why Use an API Gateway?
- Centralized Entry Point: Clients interact with one endpoint rather than multiple services.
- Decoupling of Client and Services: The gateway handles communication with services, hiding service details from clients.
- Cross-cutting Concerns: It manages functionalities like authentication, logging, rate-limiting, etc., across services.
- Load Balancing: Distributes incoming traffic efficiently to backend services.
- Security: Acts as a gatekeeper, providing security features like SSL termination and token validation.
