What is rate limiting in APIs and why is it important?

What is rate limiting in APIs and why is it important?

Rate limiting is a technique used to control the amount of incoming requests to an API. It's important to prevent abuse, ensure fair usage, and maintain performance.

Can you explain how rate limiting works in REST APIs?

In REST APIs, rate limiting typically involves setting a maximum number of requests a client can make in a given time frame, like 100 requests per hour.

What about WebSocket APIs? Is rate limiting applicable there?

Yes, rate limiting can also be applied to WebSocket APIs, often by limiting the number of messages sent or received within a specific time period.

Are there different strategies for implementing rate limiting?

Absolutely! Common strategies include fixed window, sliding window, and token bucket algorithms, each with its own advantages.

How can I implement rate limiting in my API?

You can implement rate limiting using middleware in your server framework, or by using API management tools that provide built-in rate limiting features.