Guides ยท Technology
API Rate Limiting Basics
Protect APIs from overload
API rate limiting applies ceilings to request volumes by key, IP, or user to prevent abuse, ensure fairness, protect backends, and control spend, often with retry headers and graceful errors.
- rate limit
- throttling
- quota
- api gateway
- fair use
Set Limits
Define per-user, per-key, or per-IP ceilings aligned to capacity and plans.
Implement
Use token buckets or leaky buckets; send Retry-After and remaining quota headers.
Handle Spikes
Gracefully shed load, log offenders, and offer higher tiers for heavy users.