Application programming interface is a technique that leverages edge servers and Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) to quickly deliver content to users. For this technique to work, globally distributed edge servers are placed at strategic locations by the CDN service provider to minimize latency and provide fast access to data. On the edge server itself, a special cache is implemented that can store data for a certain period of time, that can be even defined as a second. Whenever online shopper requests information from the edge server, the CDN checks its local cache first before accessing the central server. If the requested data is found on the edge server’s cache, then it can respond immediately with no delay. If not, the CDN will retrieve the data from the central server and cache it on the edge node so that it can be quickly accessed the next time it is needed.
This can dramatically decrease latency and improve the speed and performance of an e-commerce website. Even users located further away from the remote API are served quickly.
It also reduces the load on the API server, freeing up resources for other users. It helps to scale rapidly for traffic spikes and improves availability of your website. Thus, API caching is an essential solution for e-commerce websites.