Considerations before building your own API gateway

Building your own API gateway can seem appealing due to the promise of a tailored solution, but it often proves to be a complex and time-consuming endeavor fraught with unforeseen challenges. Many organizations initially consider this approach because existing solutions may not meet their specific needs or because they operate in unique environments. However, the journey from concept to a production-ready gateway involves significant effort in terms of development, security, and ongoing maintenance. The initial vision often misaligns with reality, leading to a feature set that mirrors existing commercial offerings. Furthermore, issues such as security vulnerabilities and scalability can arise, making it difficult to match the performance and reliability of vendor solutions. Consequently, for most organizations, leveraging existing API gateway solutions can be a more efficient and effective choice, allowing developers to focus on delivering business value rather than reinventing the wheel.