API Gateway vs Gateway API

Source: Dev.to

API Gateway

An API Gateway is a central entry point for all client requests, acting as a reverse proxy that routes them to the appropriate backend microservices. It handles cross‑cutting concerns such as security (authentication/authorization), rate limiting, monitoring, and caching. This simplifies microservices management and provides a unified interface for diverse clients. Examples include Amazon API Gateway.

Gateway API

Gateway API is an official Kubernetes project focused on L4 and L7 routing within Kubernetes, intended to replace traditional Ingress resources. It is defined as a set of Kubernetes resources that model service networking in an expressive, extensible, and role‑oriented way. As a Gateway provider, you can implement Gateway API to model Kubernetes service networking. An example of a Gateway controller is NGINX Gateway Fabric.

Diagram