What is an "API Consumer" in the context of MuleSoft?

An "API Consumer" refers to a client application or user that utilizes API services to perform operations or retrieve data from another application or service. In the context of MuleSoft, this often involves applications or systems that make requests to API endpoints to access the functionalities or data exposed by APIs. These consumers can range from web browsers making requests to back-end services, mobile applications fetching resources from an API, or even other server-side applications connecting to a service to process data.

This role is crucial in the integration landscape as it is the entity that drives interaction with APIs, allowing organizations to leverage their existing services, data, and functionality. The understanding of API Consumers is essential for designing APIs that effectively meet the demands of the clients who will utilize them, ensuring the APIs are user-friendly, efficient, and capable of handling expected traffic.