Building an API Gateway Using Node.js

As applications grow and become more complex, managing multiple backend services becomes increasingly difficult. An API Gateway provides a solution by acting as a reverse proxy, handling incoming requests and forwarding them to the appropriate services. In this article, we will guide you through setting up a Node.js-based API Gateway that dynamically routes requests to different services running on specific ports.

An API Gateway is Essential For?

1. Centralized Routing: Directs requests to multiple services based on the request URL.
2. Load Balancing: Distributes traffic efficiently across multiple backend services.
3. Security: Centralized authentication, rate limiting, and other security policies.
4. Microservices: Simplifies communication in a microservices architecture.

In this example, the API Gateway will listen on port 3001 and dynamically route requests to backend services running on ports 3002, 3003, and 3004.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building an API Gateway with Node.js

1. Initialize a Node.js Project

First, set up a Node.js project and install the necessary dependencies: