Azure API Management: Tutorial & FAQs

APIs have become essential tools for software development and integration, allowing different applications to communicate with each other. However, managing and securing APIs can be a complex task, which is where Azure API management comes in. In this tutorial, we'll explore some frequently asked questions about Azure API management. With this knowledge, you can make informed decisions about using Azure API management to streamline and secure your API interactions.

Watch Azure API Management Tutorial:

Azure API Management FAQs

What is API management, and what is an API?

API management is a service provided by Azure that helps to manage and secure APIs. An API is a software intermediary that allows two different applications to communicate with each other. It acts as an interface between different application components, allowing them to exchange data and functionality.

How can an intermediary layer be created using API management?

An intermediary layer can be created using API management by creating a new API that interacts with other APIs. For example, if you want to track flight prices and book flights automatically, you can create a new API that connects to flightprices.com and airline websites. This API can be charged for use by others, allowing you to create a business around it.

What components are included in Azure API management?

Azure API management includes several components, such as the developer portal, management plane, gateway, and backend services. The developer portal is where developers can subscribe to APIs, while the management plane hosts and manages the APIs and related policies. The gateway acts as a front-end, connecting to apps that interact with the APIs, and the backend services are the APIs that provide the functionality and data.

What are the pricing tiers for API management, and how do they differ?

API management offers several pricing tiers, including the developer plan, basic, standard, and premium plans, as well as an isolated plan and a consumption-based plan. The main differences between these plans are the level of support for production-level workloads, the level of SLA guarantees, and the ability to host custom gateways. The developer plan is for development purposes only, while the basic, standard, and premium plans are suitable for production workloads. The isolated plan is designed for large enterprises, and the consumption-based plan is a serverless model where you pay based on the number of queries sent to the API.

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