# API Gateway

> An API gateway is a single entry point that sits in front of backend services, handling routing, authentication, rate limiting and request shaping. It simplifies clients and centralises cross-cutting concerns.

*Source: https://www.lazlosoftwaresolution.com/glossary/api-gateway*

Gateways keep security and traffic policy in one place instead of scattered across services. They are standard in microservice and API-first architectures, and increasingly front AI and integration endpoints.