Why API gateways unify service access in Microservices - Quick Recap

Recall & Review

beginner

What is an API Gateway in microservices architecture?

An API Gateway is a server that acts as a single entry point for all client requests to multiple backend microservices. It handles request routing, composition, and protocol translation.

beginner

Why do microservices need an API Gateway to unify service access?

Because microservices are many small services, an API Gateway simplifies client communication by providing one endpoint instead of many. It hides service complexity and manages cross-cutting concerns like security and rate limiting.

intermediate

How does an API Gateway improve security in microservices?

It centralizes authentication and authorization, so clients only authenticate once at the gateway. This reduces repeated security checks in each microservice and protects backend services from direct exposure.

beginner

What role does request routing play in an API Gateway?

The API Gateway routes incoming client requests to the correct microservice based on the request path or other rules. This routing hides the internal service structure from clients.

intermediate

Name two cross-cutting concerns handled by API Gateways besides routing.

API Gateways handle concerns like rate limiting to control traffic and load balancing to distribute requests evenly across services.

What is the main purpose of an API Gateway in microservices?

A To provide a single entry point for multiple services

B To replace all microservices with one service

C To store data for microservices

D To act as a database

An API Gateway provides a unified access point to multiple microservices, simplifying client interactions.

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of an API Gateway?

A Direct database management

B Authentication and authorization

C Request routing

D Rate limiting

API Gateways do not manage databases directly; they route requests and handle security and traffic control.

How does an API Gateway help with security?

A By encrypting all microservices

B By centralizing authentication and authorization

C By storing user passwords

D By replacing firewalls

API Gateways centralize security checks, so clients authenticate once at the gateway.

What problem does an API Gateway solve for clients?

A It increases the number of services clients must know

B It stores client data

C It reduces the number of endpoints clients must call

D It replaces client applications

Clients only call one endpoint, the API Gateway, instead of many microservices.

Which feature helps API Gateways manage traffic to backend services?

A Code compilation

B Data caching

C Database indexing

D Load balancing

Load balancing distributes incoming requests evenly to backend services.

Explain how an API Gateway unifies access to multiple microservices and why this is beneficial.

Think about how a receptionist directs visitors in a large office building.

Describe the key responsibilities of an API Gateway in a microservices system.

Consider what tasks help manage many services behind one door.