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API Gateway Pattern in Microservices — A Complete Guide
In a microservices architecture, managing multiple services can be complex, especially when it comes to routing, authentication, load balancing, and security. The API Gateway Pattern solves this problem by acting as a single entry point for all client requests, directing them to the appropriate microservices.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about the API Gateway Pattern, including:
- What is API Gateway
- How it works
- Its features and benefits
- Common use cases
- Challenges and best practices
- A real-world e-commerce example where we build:
- Eureka Server (Service Registry)
- Product Service (Handles product details)
- Order Service (Handles order placement)
- API Gateway (Routes all requests)
- Client Requests (Calls the API Gateway to access services)
1️⃣ What is the API Gateway Pattern?
The API Gateway Pattern is a design pattern used in microservices to provide a single entry point for all client requests. It acts as an intermediary between clients and microservices, handling authentication, logging, request routing, load balancing, and rate limiting.
Instead of calling multiple microservices directly, clients communicate through the API Gateway, which then routes requests to the appropriate services.
📌 Key Concept:
- A client sends a request to the API Gateway.
- The API Gateway forwards the request to the correct backend service.
- It handles authentication, rate limiting, request transformations, and security measures before forwarding the response to the client.
2️⃣ Why Use an API Gateway?
✅ Key Features
- Single Entry Point — All client requests go through a single API gateway.
- Load Balancing — Distributes incoming requests across multiple instances of a service.
- Authentication & Security — Provides centralized authentication and API security.
- Rate Limiting & Throttling — Prevents API abuse and maintains service reliability.
