An application programming interface (API) is a computer interface allowing separate devices or applications to communicate. For example, when you use a search engine, it’s an API that allows your computer to communicate with that search engine’s server to retrieve your information. Likewise, when businesses use integrated software solutions to share customer information from their CRM program with the product design team to develop new ideas, APIs enable it to do so.
An API determines the kinds of requests an application can make to another application, the kinds of data that can be transferred, and what rules to follow. APIs are crucial to software developers since they need to know what apps their programs can connect with, and they need to be kept up to date on new versions of each API to ensure the full functionality of their products. This is why API providers generally have API portals that allow developers to learn about APIs, test them out, and ask questions on discussion forums and other avenues.
These portals differ from API gateways, which are more like traffic managers. These management tools are similar to a call center’s routing system to direct calls. The API gateway controls access to your back-end systems by routing each service request to the correct microservice. Of course, it can also deny requests from unauthorized users or operate proposals or otherwise inappropriate submissions that are private. Here are some of the most common reasons organizations use API gateways and how they work.
Convenience
Like most technological solutions, simple convenience is one of the main benefits of using API gateways. These gateways, largely outdated request-response architecture, such largely ancient ones, such as largely obsolete request-response architecture, such as largely outdated request-response architecture, such largely outdated request-response architecture, such largely ancient request-response architecture, such as a largely obsolete request-response architecture, can aggregate requests rather than respond individually to each one. This enables multiple requests to be read simultaneously and means that responses can be given to all in real time. API gateways also allow different clients to connect to different APIs simultaneously.
These gateways also benefit companies by letting them control traffic flow to their services. As a result, more vital services can be prioritized over others; for example, traffic to certain areas can be throttled if it’s causing too great a server load. This is especially important nowadays, considering that most companies pursue digital transformations and typically provide multiple digital services.
client authentication. They can use various means to authenticate each message’s source and allow access to services. Each client must only be established once for each benefit they can access, making gateways a more convenient security option than most.
Client authorization is typically done at the developer portal, where each client will purchase access to APIs or otherwise become authorized for use. They’ll usually be assigned an API key at that point, letting them pass the gateway. Gateways also help providers ensure their APIs aren’t being tampered with by enabling API firewalls, message integrity checks, and other methods. They can even help with risk assessment before being connected to an unknown third-party API.
Data Analysis
Data is one of the organization’s most valuable resources, and API gateways help providers use it to gain actionable insights and improve their business processes. For example, gateways can measure the many requests for specific microservices, which allows providers to learn which ones to prioritize traffic and develop further. You can even keep track of how many requests an individual account makes so you can prioritize valuable clients if needed.
API gateways also translate the data each request needs into the proper format. For example, if a server typically provides HTML format answers, but the requester needs it in XML, the API gateway will automatically update it. These are just some of the best uses for API gateways. You can always find more once you start working with them.
