juniorLayering & Middleware
What is an API Gateway as middleware?
Updated Apr 28, 2026
Short answer
A server that acts as an API front-end, receiving requests, enforcing policies, and passing them to back-end services.
Deep explanation
Layering allows for 'separation of concerns.' Each layer has a specific responsibility and communicates only with the layer directly below it. Middleware, like Express.js middleware, intercepts the flow of execution to perform tasks like authentication before the main logic runs.
Real-world example
Logging every visitor's IP address in a web application using a simple middleware function.
Common mistakes
- Creating circular dependencies between layers.
Follow-up questions
- What happens if next() is not called in middleware?