Azure API Management tool

API: Application Programming Interface.  

The API Gateway pattern is a design pattern used in distributed systems, especially in microservices architecture, to provide a single-entry point for all client requests. Instead of clients calling each microservice directly, they send requests to the API Gateway, which then routes, transforms, secures, and aggregates responses from backend services.

Popular tools:

• Azure API Management (APIM) – what you’re learning now.

• AWS API Gateway

• Kong, Apigee, NGINX, Tyk, Traefik, Spring Cloud Gateway

Analogyy:

Think of an API Gateway as a reception desk: visitors (clients) arrive at one desk, state their needs, and the receptionist handles the internal coordination with different departments (other APIS) before giving the visitor a consolidated response.

Core Functions of an API Gateway:

• Request routing – Directing incoming calls to appropriate backend services
• Authentication and authorization – Verifying identities and access rights before allowing requests
• Traffic management – Controlling request flow to prevent system overload
• Response caching – Storing frequently requested data to improve performance
• Request/response transformation – Modifying data formats to ensure compatibility
• Logging and monitoring – Tracking usage patterns and system health

Azure API Management:

 APIM is a tool by Microsoft Azure which works based on API Gateway pattern.

Core Features of APIM:

• API Gateway: Acts as an entry point for API requests, handling routing, load balancing, and caching.
• Developer Portal: Provides a customizable interface for developers to discover, learn about, and consume your APIs.
• Management Plane: Allows API providers to manage APIs, set policies, define security measures, and monitor performance.

Components of APIM: