Architecture

API Gateway

A traffic entry point that routes, authenticates, and rate-limits.

In plain terms

AWS API Gateway, Kong, Tyk, Envoy. Sits in front of microservices to provide a single client-facing surface.

Origin

Pattern formalised in early-2010s microservices writing (Newman, Fowler). AWS API Gateway launched 2015 — possibly the largest commercial driver of the term.

Where it shows up in production

Kong, Tyk, Apigee Standalone API gateway products. Auth, rate limit, transform.
AWS API Gateway Managed; pairs naturally with Lambda for serverless endpoints.
Envoy + Istio ingress In-cluster API gateway; programmable via Envoy config or higher-level CRDs.

On Semicolony

Guide api gateway

Sources & further reading

Docs API gateway guide (Semicolony)

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