When should I use exponential backoff?

What is exponential backoff and when should I use it?

Exponential backoff is a strategy for handling retries in network communications. You should use it when facing transient failures, like network timeouts, to avoid overwhelming the server.

Can you give me an example of when to apply it?

Sure! If your application is trying to connect to a server and receives a timeout error, instead of retrying immediately, you would wait for a short period, then double the wait time for each subsequent retry.

Are there any downsides to using exponential backoff?

Yes, one downside is that it can lead to longer wait times, which might not be ideal for time-sensitive applications. It's important to balance retry intervals with user experience.

How do I implement it in my code?

You can implement it by using a loop that increases the wait time exponentially after each failed attempt, often with a maximum limit on retries.