What key aspect does an API gateway provide?

An API gateway plays a crucial role in managing and routing API requests, making it an essential component in building a robust API infrastructure. It acts as an intermediary between clients and the backend services, processing incoming requests and directing them to the appropriate service based on various factors like URL paths, request methods, or user authentication. This management capability allows for centralized control over the APIs, facilitating functionalities such as load balancing, request transformations, and rate limiting.

In addition to routing requests, an API gateway typically provides features such as caching, logging, and monitoring, enhancing the overall performance and security of the hybrid and microservices architectures. By efficiently managing the flow of requests, it helps to simplify client interactions, decrease latency, and ensure that backend services remain accessible and performant, making it critical for maintaining a seamless user experience.