Create Your Own Custom Domain Name with AWS API Gateway

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Problem with API Gateway Endpoints
3. Setting Up Your Own Domain
4. Interacting with Certificate Manager
5. Configuring Route53 for DNS
6. Setting Up Custom Domain Names in API Gateway
7. Mapping Paths to API Stages
8. Completing DNS Settings
9. Testing DNS Resolution
10. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss how to clean up your API Gateway endpoint to make it look more professional. We will walk you through the process of setting up your own domain and configuring Route53 for DNS. We will also guide you on how to set up custom domain names in API Gateway and map paths to API stages. By the end of this article, you will be able to transform your API Gateway endpoint into a clean and professional URL.

The Problem with API Gateway Endpoints

When setting up API Gateway endpoints, many people encounter the issue of having a messy URL with a prefix that doesn't look professional. In this article, we will address this problem and Show You how to make your endpoint look more polished and presentable.

Setting Up Your Own Domain

To clean up your API Gateway endpoint, you will need to have your own domain name or access to a registered domain. This domain doesn't necessarily have to be on your AWS account but having it there will make the process smoother. If you don't have a domain registered, we will provide a link in the description section below on how to register on the Website we will be using, AWS Simplified.

Interacting with Certificate Manager

One of the services we will be using is Certificate Manager (ACM). ACM allows you to Create certificates for a secure connection using TLS. To set up your custom domain, you will need to create a certificate that maps to your domain name. We will guide you through the process of creating a certificate using ACM.

Configuring Route53 for DNS

Route53 is Amazon's DNS service that handles website registry and domain registrations. We will show you how to configure Route53 for DNS to prove that you are the owner of your domain name. This step is required in the process and involves adding a CNAME Record to your DNS configuration.

Setting Up Custom Domain Names in API Gateway

Once you have your domain name and certificate set up, we can proceed to set up the custom domain name in API Gateway. We will guide you through the steps of creating a custom domain name for your API Gateway endpoint. This will allow you to use a cleaner and more professional URL for your API.

Mapping Paths to API Stages

In API Gateway, you have the option to map paths from your domain name to your API stages. We will show you how to map your dev stage to a specific URL using API mappings. This will allow you to access your resources by appending the path to your custom domain name.

Completing DNS Settings

After setting up the custom domain name in API Gateway, there is one last step to complete in terms of DNS settings. We will guide you on how to add a record in Route53 to point your domain to your API Gateway endpoint. This step is crucial for the functionality of your URL.

Testing DNS Resolution

Once all the DNS settings are in place, it may take a few minutes for them to propagate correctly. We will provide you with a tool to test if your DNS is resolving properly. This will ensure that your custom domain name is correctly pointing to your API Gateway endpoint.

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined in this article, you will be able to transform your API Gateway endpoint into a clean and professional URL. Having a polished URL not only enhances the overall appearance of your API but also improves user experience.