API Gateway is a software layer or service that sits between client applications and backend services, acting as a single entry point for multiple APIs. Its core functions include request routing, composition, protocol translation, and authentication and authorization. It simplifies the management and scaling of APIs by providing features like throttling, caching, and analytics.
For example, an e-commerce platform might use an API Gateway to handle requests from various client applications, such as mobile apps and web browsers. The API Gateway routes these requests to the appropriate backend services, such as product catalogs, user profiles, and payment processing. It can also enforce security policies, such as OAuth authentication, and apply rate limiting to prevent abuse.
In the context of cloud computing, Tencent Cloud offers a service called Tencent Cloud API Gateway, which provides these capabilities along with integration with other Tencent Cloud services for enhanced functionality and scalability.