API Group

Definition

API Group is used to logically or functionally group APIs to improve management efficiency and support batch operations and strategy application for APIs. Grouping is typically based on functionality, user needs, version control, or deployment environments.

Advantages

• Unified Management: Grouping similar or related APIs allows for bulk configuration (e.g., permissions or rate-limiting strategies).

• Improved Visibility: Clearly delineates API functional domains, helping teams understand system architecture.

• Simplified Version Control: Each API Group can have independent version management strategies.

Use Cases

• Grouping by Function: Examples: "User Management API," "Order Management API," "Payment API."

• Grouping by Business Line: Examples: "Retail Business API Group," "Financial Business API Group."

• Grouping by Deployment Environment: Examples: "Development Environment API," "Testing Environment API," "Production Environment API."

Standard Operating Process

1. Plan the Grouping:

   • Analyze the usage scenarios, functional logic, and business requirements of the APIs.

   • Determine grouping criteria, such as functionality, business domain, or environment.

2. Configure API Group:

   • Create an API Group in the API Management platform.

   • Add related APIs to the corresponding group.

3. Apply Global Strategies:

   • Set group-level security policies (e.g., authentication, IP whitelisting).

   • Configure rate-limiting policies (e.g., API access quotas).

4. Manage and Monitor:

   • Continuously monitor the traffic, performance, and error rates of the API Group.

   • Dynamically adjust the group as needed, such as adding or removing APIs.