Should API Gateways Be Programmable? Probably, Yeah.

Bill Doerrfeld | May 23, 2024

I always enjoy talking shop with Josh Twist from Zuplo. He's got a keen sense of how developers operate and a great perspective on the market in general. In our latest chat, we talked about why API gateways should be more programmable. This is something that's often lacking in the more legacy GUI-filled API management platforms, but is becoming more common as gateways become more cloud-native and lean.


According to Josh, a more programmable API gateway can enable things like variable rate limiting, intricate monetizations, smarter routing, and other capabilities. APIs are each pretty unique, catering to various consumer roles and business models, so I can understand why developers would want this sort of programmable control.


Anyways, check out the article for more insights, it's published today on Nordic APIs.




Read 'Why API Gateways Should Be Programmable' on Nordic APIs

API standards: foundational for agentic AI

By Bill Doerrfeld • January 27, 2026
I recently moderated a webinar that brought together three luminaries in the API community to discuss the importance of API standards in agentic AI development.

Reviewing Port of Context (pctx)

By Bill Doerrfeld • January 26, 2026
The more folks use MCP servers in development, the more they’re realizing it can lead to runaway token usage, unpredictable response sizes, and flooded context windows.

Are all developers equally productive with AI? Not quite.

By Bill Doerrfeld • January 20, 2026
Who really benefits from AI coding tools? New research suggests AI amplifies existing top performers more than average developers. Read my post on LeadDev.

Edge AI becomes more important for inference

By Bill Doerrfeld • January 19, 2026
Many say edge computing will enable the future of AI inference. For InfoWorld, I looked at the tech required, and the roadblocks to overcome to get us there.

Developers are confident on the future of MCP

By Bill Doerrfeld • January 15, 2026
Survey data from Zuplo finds rising MCP adoption, security concerns, and shows how developers are using MCP servers to connect AI with APIs in 2026.

Lessons learned from 6 overhyped tech trends

By Bill Doerrfeld • January 5, 2026
Blockchain for everything, metaverse, big data, NFTs... In hindsight, what were we thinking? Today, I call out some of tech's biggest overhyped trends on InfoWorld.

What is agentic metadata?

By Bill Doerrfeld • January 5, 2026
Like any production software application, AI agents are producing a spectrum of metadata behind the scenes. Some are calling agentic metadata a “gold mine” to direct continual improvements.

Build the machine that builds the machine

By Bill Doerrfeld • December 19, 2025
My latest DirectorPlus column with LeadDev interviews Bedrock Robotics' CTO, Kevin Peterson, on what it takes to develop highly adaptable and safe autonomous machines.

What makes a great tech conference abstract?

By Bill Doerrfeld • December 17, 2025
I explore some tips to help speakers craft solid pitches. The Nordic APIs speaker selection committee looks for these sorts of things, but the tips could apply to any tech event.

What will 2026 hold for AI and APIs?

By Bill Doerrfeld • December 11, 2025
I made 10 predictions on how AI and APIs will converge in 2026. Signs point to AI agents being the next big API consumer.