API gateway shapes: back then, now, and beyond

Joel Hans, ngrok's Developer Relations lead, explores the evolution and future prospects of API gateways in his blog post titled "API gateway shapes: back then, now, and beyond." The article, published on September 16, 2025, delves into how API gateways have transformed over time, addressing their historical context, current functionality, and potential future developments. While API gateways were initially designed to manage network traffic efficiently, they have evolved to include features such as authentication, analytics, and security enhancements, adapting to the increasing complexity of modern software ecosystems. Joel Hans shares his insights and reflections on this technological progression, drawing on his experience in the field while also engaging in hobbies like mountain biking and writing fiction.