Understanding API Rate Limiting & Throttling for Scalable Apps
In today’s connected world, APIs are the backbone of modern applications. But with growing user bases and interconnected services, the risk of server overload, abuse, or system crashes becomes real. That’s where rate limiting and throttling step in — to ensure performance , security , and fair usage . What Is API Rate Limiting? API rate limiting controls how many requests a client can make to an API within a specific time frame . It helps prevent abuse (like DDoS attacks), ensures fair access among users, and safeguards infrastructure from being overwhelmed. Example: A public API may allow 1000 requests per hour per user. After that, users receive a 429 Too Many Requests error until the limit resets. What Is API Throttling? Throttling is a dynamic form of rate limiting. Instead of outright rejecting requests, it slows down or queues them when usage exceeds safe thresholds. It ensures graceful degradation rather than abrupt denial. Key Differences Minimize image Edit image Delete ...