What is a MuleSoft Policy primarily used for?

A MuleSoft Policy is fundamentally a set of rules governing API behavior. Policies are designed to enforce specific standards and constraints on APIs to ensure consistency, reliability, and security in how APIs operate. They can define aspects such as rate limiting, security measures like OAuth or IP whitelisting, and response time standards. By implementing policies, organizations can manage how APIs are accessed and utilized, which helps maintain control over their API ecosystem.

This functionality is crucial for API management as it ensures that APIs behave as expected and are protected from misuse or excessive resource consumption. Additionally, applying policies can help organizations adhere to legal and regulatory requirements that pertain to data handling and accessibility, depending on the context in which the APIs are employed.