Web Development Intermediate

What is API Rate Limiting?

A strategy for limiting the number of API requests a client can make within a specified time window to protect server resources.

API rate limiting prevents abuse and ensures fair resource sharing. Common algorithms include fixed window (100 requests/minute), sliding window (smoother distribution), token bucket (allows bursts), and leaky bucket (constant rate).

Rate limits are communicated via HTTP headers: X-RateLimit-Limit, X-RateLimit-Remaining, and Retry-After. Clients should implement exponential backoff when rate limited. API keys or JWT tokens identify clients for per-user limits.

Learn More About This Topic

API Basics: REST & JSON Explained

Related reading

Laravel Framework Fundamentals

Related reading

CodeIgniter Framework Fundamentals

Related reading

Related Terms

An XML file that lists all important URLs on a website, helping search engines discover and crawl content efficiently.

Storing copies of frequently accessed data in faster storage to reduce load times and server processing.

WebAssembly (Wasm)

A binary instruction format that enables near-native performance execution of code in web browsers alongside JavaScript.

Progressive Enhancement

A web design strategy that starts with basic functionality for all browsers and progressively adds advanced features for capable ones.

MVC (Model-View-Controller)

An architectural pattern that separates an application into three components: data (Model), interface (View), and logic (Controller).

SSR (Server-Side Rendering)

A technique where web pages are rendered on the server and sent as complete HTML to the browser, improving SEO and initial load time.

View All Web Development Terms →