REST API (Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface) is a type of web service that follows the principles of REST architecture. It uses standard HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, DELETE to perform operations on resources. REST APIs are stateless, meaning each request from a client contains all necessary information to process the request, making them scalable and easy to cache.
An API gateway is a server that acts as an intermediary between clients and backend services. It is used to manage, route, and optimize API requests, providing functionalities such as authentication, rate limiting, request transformation, and monitoring. API gateways help simplify microservices architectures by offering a unified entry point for clients to access multiple backend services through a single API.
REST API, or Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface, refers to a web service that adheres to REST principles. It uses standard HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE to perform operations on resources identified by URLs. REST APIs are designed for simplicity, scalability, and interoperability, making them widely used for building web services and integrating systems over the internet.
An API gateway is primarily used for managing and optimizing API traffic between clients and backend services. It serves as a centralized entry point that handles tasks such as authentication, authorization, rate limiting, request routing, and protocol translation. API gateways enhance security, performance, and scalability by offloading common functionalities from individual services and providing a unified interface for clients to interact with multiple APIs.
The main difference between an API gateway and an API portal lies in their functionalities and focus areas. An API gateway primarily manages API traffic by handling requests and enforcing policies such as authentication and rate limiting. In contrast, an API portal serves as a developer portal that provides tools and resources for developers to discover, explore, and consume APIs. API portals typically include documentation, code samples, API testing tools, and developer support to facilitate API adoption and integration.
Creating a REST API in an API gateway typically involves several steps depending on the specific gateway platform used. Generally, the process includes defining API endpoints, specifying HTTP methods and resources, configuring authentication and authorization mechanisms, setting up request and response transformations, and applying policies such as rate limiting and caching. API gateway platforms often provide graphical interfaces or command-line tools to streamline the API creation process, enabling developers to publish, manage, and monitor APIs efficiently.