API Gateways: Essential Concepts in Microservices Architecture Quiz

1. Definition of API Gateway

   Which of the following best describes the role of an API gateway in a microservices architecture?

   1. It acts as a single entry point for client requests to multiple microservices.
   2. It stores all database records for every microservice.
   3. It is only used for internal communication between microservices.
   4. It replaces every microservice with a single application.
   5. It monitors the power usage of all services.

2. Handling Client Requests

   When a client application needs to access several microservices, what is a common benefit of using an API gateway?

   1. The gateway reduces the number of requests the client must make by aggregating responses.
   2. The gateway forces clients to call each microservice individually.
   3. The gateway translates requests into different programming languages.
   4. The gateway hides all service endpoints from the client permanently.
   5. The gateway permanently stores all client passwords.

3. Security Function

   Which security-related task is commonly managed by an API gateway in microservices?

   1. Authenticating and authorizing incoming client requests.
   2. Generating reports about application profits.
   3. Displaying user interfaces to end-users.
   4. Encrypting files on the client's local device.
   5. Connecting hardware devices directly to the cloud.

4. API Gateway vs. Load Balancer

   What is a key difference between an API gateway and a load balancer in the context of microservices?

   1. An API gateway manages API-specific tasks like request routing and security, while a load balancer only distributes network traffic.
   2. A load balancer handles authentication, but an API gateway cannot.
   3. An API gateway stores all persistent data, whereas a load balancer stores none.
   4. A load balancer acts as the user interface, but an API gateway does not.
   5. An API gateway is used only for internal traffic, not client requests.

5. Cross-Cutting Concerns

   In a scenario where multiple microservices require request logging, how does using an API gateway help?

   1. It centralizes logging for all incoming requests, simplifying management.
   2. It disables logging for all services to improve speed.
   3. It duplicates logs in all microservice databases.
   4. It only logs failed requests but not successful ones.
   5. It removes the need for any monitoring tools completely.

6. Rate Limiting Purpose

   Why might an API gateway implement rate limiting for requests from clients?

   1. To prevent excessive use of resources by restricting the number of requests in a given time period.
   2. To permanently ban clients after a single failed request.
   3. To track the location of every client device.
   4. To automatically convert data formats for clients.
   5. To encrypt files stored on client computers.

7. Request Transformation

   If a client sends a request with data in XML but the backend microservice expects JSON, how can an API gateway help?

   1. It can transform the XML request from the client into JSON for the microservice.
   2. It can block all requests containing XML.
   3. It can require the client to change its code to send only JSON.
   4. It can encrypt the XML without transforming it.
   5. It can reroute the request to a random microservice.

8. Caching Feature

   How does an API gateway improve performance using caching when multiple clients request the same data?

   1. It stores recent responses and serves them to clients, reducing calls to backend services.
   2. It prevents all clients from accessing the cached data.
   3. It only caches data on the client device.
   4. It erases all cached data after each response.
   5. It replaces backend services with static files.

9. Protocol Translation

   What is one way an API gateway can facilitate communication when microservices use different communication protocols?

   1. By translating requests and responses between protocols such as HTTP and messaging formats.
   2. By forcing all microservices to use only one protocol.
   3. By blocking communication from unsupported protocols.
   4. By automatically creating new microservices for each protocol.
   5. By archiving protocol information in storage.

10. Avoiding Direct Exposure

    Why is it beneficial for an API gateway to act as a barrier between client applications and individual microservices?

    1. It protects backend microservices from direct external access, enhancing security.
    2. It allows clients to change microservice code directly.
    3. It exposes sensitive backend details to all clients.
    4. It makes deploying new microservices impossible.
    5. It ensures each client has a private database copy.