What is API and API Gateway

Certainly, I'd be happy to help you understand API and API Gateway, Mahendra.

An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of rules and protocols that allow different software applications to communicate with each other. It defines how requests and responses should be structured between systems.

Amazon API Gateway is an AWS service that helps developers create, publish, maintain, monitor, and secure APIs at any scale. It acts as a "front door" for applications to access data, business logic, or functionality from your backend services, which could be running on AWS Lambda, Amazon EC2, or other AWS services.

To approach learning API and API Gateway in a structured manner, you might consider the following steps:

1. Start with the basics of APIs: Understand what they are, how they work, and their importance in modern application development.

2. Learn about RESTful APIs: API Gateway supports REST APIs, which follow specific architectural principles. Understanding REST concepts will be beneficial.

3. Familiarize yourself with AWS services: Since API Gateway often integrates with other AWS services like Lambda or EC2, having a basic understanding of these will be helpful.

4. Explore API Gateway concepts: Learn about key components like resources, methods, stages, and deployments in API Gateway.

5. Practice creating a simple API: Start with a basic "Hello World" API using the API Gateway console. This hands-on experience will help solidify your understanding.

6. Dive deeper into features: Gradually explore more advanced features like request/response mapping, API keys, usage plans, and caching.

7. Learn about security: Understand how to secure your APIs using features like IAM roles, Lambda authorizers, and API keys.

8. Explore documentation: API Gateway allows you to document your APIs, which is crucial for both personal understanding and sharing with others.

For practical exercises, you could try:

• Creating a simple REST API that integrates with a Lambda function
• Setting up different stages (e.g., dev, test, prod) for your API
• Implementing API keys and usage plans
• Creating a WebSocket API for real-time communication

Remember, learning takes time, so don't be discouraged if it seems complex at first. Start with the basics and gradually build your knowledge. The AWS documentation, tutorials, and hands-on labs can be excellent resources for your learning journey.

Sources
Amazon API Gateway concepts - Amazon API Gateway
API Gateway REST APIs - Amazon API Gateway
Documentation for REST APIs in API Gateway - Amazon API Gateway
Welcome - Amazon API Gateway
Amazon API Gateway Features | API Management | Amazon Web Services