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API Pagination: Cursors vs Offset

Pick the right pagination

Choosing pagination style depends on data size and volatility: offset is simple but slow and inconsistent at scale; cursor pagination offers stable ordering and performance with more implementation complexity.

Use Offset When

Small datasets and simple use cases; watch limits.

Use Cursors When

Large/real-time data; need stable ordering and performance.

Implement Well

Sort by stable keys; include next/prev; document limits.

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