Differences Between an API and an API Gateway
Aspect |
API |
API Gateway |
---|---|---|
Purpose |
Provides specific functionalities within an application or system. |
Manages and controls client requests to multiple APIs, offering features like authentication and routing. |
Access Point |
It serves as the endpoint that developers interact with to make requests. |
Sits as an intermediary layer between clients and a collection of APIs, routing requests to the appropriate endpoint. |
Security |
Security measures are typically implemented individually within each API, which may lead to inconsistent practices. |
Provides centralized security features such as authentication, authorization, and encryption for all APIs it manages. |
Load Balancing and Performance |
Load balancing and performance optimization need to be handled individually for each API. |
Offers load balancing, traffic management, and performance optimization features for multiple APIs. |
Analytics and Monitoring |
Analytics and monitoring capabilities need to be implemented individually for each API. |
Provides centralized analytics and monitoring for all APIs, offering insights into usage and performance. |
Complexity |
Simplicity in terms of individual API functionalities. |
Adds complexity due to managing an intermediary layer but simplifies overall system management. |
Use Cases |
Data retrieval from a database, integration with third-party services, access to specific functionalities within a monolithic application. |
Suitable for microservices architecture, API monetization and analytics, and when authentication and authorization are needed for multiple APIs in a complex system. |
What is the difference between an API and an API Gateway?
APIs or Application programming interfaces are crucial to modern software development because they let different software systems talk to and interact with one another. However, there are situations in which a conventional API and an API gateway are used interchangeably.
Important Topics for API vs API Gateway
- What is an API?
- What is an API Gateway?
- Differences Between an API and an API Gateway
- Advantages of an API
- Disadvantages of an API
- Advantages of an API Gateway
- Disadvantages of an API Gateway
- Use Cases of an API
- Use Cases of an API Gateway
- Best Practices for using an API
- Best Practices for using an API Gateway
- Conclusion