How do I implement the exponential backoff algorithm?

How do I implement the exponential backoff algorithm?

To implement the exponential backoff algorithm, you start with an initial delay and increase it exponentially after each failure.

Can you provide a code example in Python?

Sure! Here's a simple implementation:

import time
import random

def exponential_backoff(retries):
    for i in range(retries):
        delay = min(60, (2 ** i) + random.uniform(0, 1))  # max delay of 60 seconds
        print(f"Retrying in {delay:.2f} seconds...")
        time.sleep(delay)

What are some use cases for this algorithm?

It's commonly used in network requests, API calls, and any situation where you want to handle transient failures gracefully.

Are there any alternatives to exponential backoff?

Yes, alternatives include fixed delay, linear backoff, and more complex strategies like full jitter.