When should I use exponential backoff in my application?

When should I use exponential backoff in my application?

Exponential backoff is useful when dealing with network requests that may fail due to temporary issues. It helps to reduce the load on the server.

Can you give me an example of where it might be applied?

Sure! It's commonly used in APIs when a request fails due to rate limiting. Instead of retrying immediately, you wait longer between each attempt.

How do I implement it in my code?

You can implement it by increasing the wait time exponentially after each failure, often using a formula like wait_time = base_time * (2 ^ attempt_number).

Are there any downsides to using exponential backoff?

Yes, if not configured properly, it can lead to longer wait times and increased latency. It's important to set a maximum wait time.