.NET Core API and Azure API Management (APIM) is not same thing , they serve very different purposes within the ecosystem of API development and management.
.NET Core Web API is a framework for building RESTful APIs using C#, while Azure API Management (APIM) is a cloud service that provides a platform for managing and publishing APIs, including those built with .NET Core. APIM acts as a gateway for your APIs, offering features like security, rate limiting, and analytics.
.NET Core API
What It Is:
- A framework for building web APIs using C# and the .NET Core runtime.
- It is the backend application where you implement business logic, data access, authentication, etc.
Use Cases:
- Developing RESTful APIs and microservices.
- Hosting business logic that clients (mobile apps, web apps, other services) consume.
- Creating APIs with full control over request handling, routing, and security.
Key Features:
- Cross-platform (Windows, Linux, macOS).
- Open-source and high-performance.
- Dependency Injection built-in.
- ASP.NET Core MVC framework for routing and controllers.
- Integrates with Entity Framework Core, SignalR, etc.
Azure API Management (APIM)
What It Is:
- A cloud service for publishing, securing, monitoring, and managing APIs.
- Works as an API gateway that sits in front of your APIs (including .NET Core APIs) and manages traffic.
Use Cases:
- Exposing internal APIs to external developers or partners.
- Applying rate-limiting, quotas, caching, and security policies without changing backend code.
- Monetizing APIs.
- Versioning and rolling out changes smoothly.
- Creating developer portals and API documentation automatically.
Key Features:
- Centralized security (OAuth2, API keys, JWT, etc.).
- Built-in analytics and monitoring (Azure Monitor, App Insights).
- Transformation of requests/responses (e.g., XML ↔ JSON).
- Policy engine for rate-limiting, CORS, IP filtering, and more.
- Developer portal for onboarding and API exploration.
How They Work Together
- .NET Core API is the service (the logic).
- Azure APIM is the management layer in front of it.
Conclusion:
No, you don’t need Azure API Management for a .NET Core API, but it offers significant benefits for managing, securing, and scaling your API.
- Use .NET Core API to create your API.
- Use Azure APIM to manage and expose your API securely and at scale.