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.

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Related Terms

Server-Sent Events

A server push technology that enables a server to send real-time updates to a browser over a single HTTP connection.

A vocabulary for validating the structure and content of JSON data, ensuring API requests and responses conform to expected formats.

Responsive Design

A web design approach that makes web pages render well on all screen sizes using flexible layouts and media queries.

The latest HTTP version that uses QUIC instead of TCP, providing faster connections and better performance on unreliable networks.

Progressive Enhancement

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

WebAssembly (Wasm)

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

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