API Portal
API portal is a centralized online platform that acts as a bridge between API Providers and Developers.
Overview
An API portal is mainly used for:
- Showcasing APIs: Like a shop window, it displays the available APIs, their functionalities, and how they can be used.
- Providing Documentation: Offers detailed guides, tutorials, and code samples to help developers understand and integrate the APIs.
- Facilitating Access: Allows developers to register, subscribe to APIs, and manage their usage by themselves.
- Enabling Testing: Often includes interactive tools like API consoles or sandboxes for developers to try out APIs before integrating them.
For API Providers
- Increased API adoption: Makes it easier for developers to find and use their APIs.
- Improved developer experience: Provides a central hub for all API-related information and support.
- Better API management: Allows for centralized control over API access, usage, and documentation.
- Potential for monetization: Can be used to package and sell API access.
For Developers
- Simplified API discovery: Easily find the APIs they need in a centralized location.
- Faster integration: Access to comprehensive documentation and testing tools speeds up the integration process.
- Increased productivity: Streamlines development workflows by providing quick access to necessary information and reducing the time spent on research and integration.
- Access to a community: Connects with other developers, share knowledge, and get support.
Use Cases
There are three primary use cases for API Portals:
- Internal API Portals: Designed for internal use within an organization, facilitating API sharing and collaboration among teams. This fosters API design consistency, prevents redundant development, and enables centralized management of internal APIs.
- Partner API Portals: Used to securely share APIs with developers from partner organizations while restricting access to the general public. API Product visibility can be customized for each partner.
- Public API Portals: Serve as a marketplace for offering APIs to external developers, enabling monetization opportunities through API subscriptions.
You can also implement a hybrid approach, combining elements of internal, partner, and public API Portals. This flexibility allows you to:
- Tailor developer management policies: Implement different authentication and authorization mechanisms for internal developers, external partners, and public users.
- Customize API visibility and access control: Define granular access levels and visibility rules for different groups of users. Offer a mix of free and paid API products: Monetize public APIs while providing free or restricted access to internal and partner APIs.
This hybrid approach provides maximum flexibility and enables you to tailor the API Portal to your specific needs and business goals.
Provider Portal vs Developer Portal
An API Portal typically comprises two distinct dashboards:
- Provider Portal: Designed for administrators and API providers. This dashboard shares the same domain and entry point as the API7 gateway, streamlining user experience and access. It empowers administrators to create, manage, and monitor APIs effectively.
- Developer Portal: Designed for developers to discover, explore, and consume APIs.
This dual-dashboard structure provides a clear separation of responsibilities and enhances the overall user experience for both providers and developers.
| Developer Portal | Provider Portal | |
|---|---|---|
| Users | Internal or external users, not API7 Gateway users | Internal users, also API7 Gateway users |
| Domain | Individual domain | API7 Enterprise domain, same as API7 Gateway |
| Customized UI | Supported | Not supported |
Additional Resources
- Key Concepts
- API Portal