API Gateway pattern in Microservices - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the primary role of an API Gateway in a microservices architecture?

An API Gateway acts as a single entry point that handles client requests by routing them to the appropriate microservices, simplifying client interactions and managing cross-cutting concerns like authentication and rate limiting.

beginner

Name two common cross-cutting concerns handled by an API Gateway.

Authentication and rate limiting are two common cross-cutting concerns managed by an API Gateway to secure and control access to microservices.

intermediate

How does an API Gateway improve client experience in a microservices system?

It consolidates multiple microservice calls into a single request, reducing the number of round trips and simplifying client logic.

intermediate

What is a potential downside of using an API Gateway?

It can become a single point of failure or a performance bottleneck if not designed and scaled properly.

advanced

Explain how an API Gateway supports versioning of microservices.

An API Gateway can route requests to different versions of microservices based on the request path or headers, enabling smooth version transitions without impacting clients.

What is the main benefit of using an API Gateway in microservices?

A It eliminates the need for authentication.

B It replaces all microservices with one service.

C It stores all data for microservices.

D It provides a single entry point for all client requests.

An API Gateway acts as a single entry point, routing client requests to the correct microservices.

Which of the following is NOT typically handled by an API Gateway?

A Request routing

B Database management

C Authentication

D Rate limiting

Database management is handled by microservices, not the API Gateway.

How does an API Gateway help with microservice versioning?

A By routing requests to different service versions.

B By merging all versions into one.

C By deleting old versions automatically.

D By storing version data in a database.

The API Gateway routes requests to the appropriate microservice version based on request details.

What risk does an API Gateway introduce if not properly managed?

A Single point of failure

B Data loss

C Increased client complexity

D Microservices duplication

If the API Gateway fails, it can block access to all microservices, becoming a single point of failure.

Which scenario best describes the API Gateway pattern?

A Clients communicate directly with each microservice.

B Clients bypass microservices and access the database directly.

C A central service routes client requests to multiple microservices.

D Microservices are merged into a monolith.

The API Gateway acts as a central router for client requests to microservices.

Describe the role and benefits of an API Gateway in a microservices architecture.

Think about how clients interact with many services through one door.

Explain potential challenges or drawbacks when implementing an API Gateway.

Consider what happens if the gateway is slow or goes down.