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AWS API Gateway

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description AWS API Gateway Overview

For organizations deeply invested in the AWS ecosystem, API Gateway provides a highly scalable, managed entry point for APIs. It handles critical infrastructure concerns like throttling, usage plans, request validation, and integrating with other AWS services (like Cognito for auth) out of the box. It's the enterprise choice for governance within AWS.

help AWS API Gateway FAQ

When should I use AWS API Gateway instead of exposing a server directly?

API Gateway provides a managed front door for APIs, including throttling, request handling, and integration with AWS services. It is useful when you want those controls in front of Lambda functions, backend services, or other AWS resources.

What is the difference between REST APIs, HTTP APIs, and WebSocket APIs in API Gateway?

API Gateway supports three distinct API styles: REST APIs, HTTP APIs, and WebSocket APIs. REST and HTTP APIs handle request-response traffic, while WebSocket APIs support persistent two-way communication for use cases such as live updates.

Can AWS API Gateway authenticate users with Amazon Cognito?

Yes, API Gateway can integrate with Amazon Cognito for user authentication and authorization. This lets an API require valid identity tokens before allowing access to protected routes.

What are usage plans and throttling used for in AWS API Gateway?

Throttling limits request rates so one client does not overwhelm the API, while usage plans can associate access keys, quotas, and rate limits with consumers. The exact feature set depends on the API type and configuration selected.

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