AWS API Gateway Foundations: REST, WebSockets, and Security

Modern cloud applications rely on secure and scalable interfaces to connect frontends with backend services. AWS API Gateway is the industry-standard tool for managing this traffic, yet configuring it correctly requires a solid grasp of its core architecture and security patterns. This text-based course guides you from foundational API concepts to deploying fully functional, secure entry points for your services. You will understand how to route requests, transform data, and protect your endpoints from unauthorized access and traffic spikes. What you'll learn: Understand the core differences between REST APIs, HTTP APIs, and WebSockets; Configure service integrations to connect your API directly to serverless functions and other cloud services; Apply robust security measures using API keys, custom authorizers, and JWT; Manage traffic effectively with rate limiting, throttling, and caching strategies; Deploy and version your APIs across multiple environments with confidence; Map and transform incoming request payloads and outgoing responses. The course begins with essential API terminology and architectural patterns before moving into step-by-step configuration workflows and security best practices. You will learn through clear written explanations, structured scenarios, and practical configuration examples. Designed for beginner cloud developers, backend engineers, and architects new to API management, this course requires no prior API Gateway experience. Start reading today to design and manage professional, secure APIs in the cloud.