Key Points

• An API gateway gives clients one stable entry point while hiding internal service boundaries behind it.
• It commonly handles TLS termination, authentication, authorization, rate limiting, request validation, and routing.
• Gateways are useful when many clients talk to many backend services, but they can also become a choke point if overloaded or overcomplicated.
• Keep the gateway focused on cross-cutting concerns rather than pushing all business logic into it.