Custom API Gateway
A custom API gateway is a self-built or tailored intermediary layer that manages, routes, and secures API traffic between clients and backend services. It typically handles tasks like request routing, authentication, rate limiting, logging, and protocol translation. Unlike off-the-shelf solutions, it is developed in-house to meet specific organizational needs, often using frameworks or libraries.
Developers should use a custom API gateway when they require fine-grained control over API management, need to integrate with unique legacy systems, or have specific performance, security, or compliance requirements not met by commercial products. It is ideal for large-scale microservices architectures, where custom logic for routing, caching, or monitoring is essential, or in environments with strict data governance.