Rate limiting is the method of restricting the number of requests an API or system can accept within a specific time period. Its purpose is to prevent system overload, enhance security, and ensure fair resource usage.
⚙️Why is it important?
🚀 Protects the system from excessive load.
🚀 Prevents brute-force and DDoS attacks.
🚀 Ensures fair resource sharing among users.
🚀 Helps manage cost and performance efficiently.
⚙️How is it implemented?
Token Bucket / Leaky Bucket: Each request consumes a token; if no tokens remain, the request is rejected.
Fixed Window: Allows a limited number of requests within a fixed time frame.
Sliding Window: Uses a moving time window for a fairer distribution of requests. Example usage scenarios:
🚀 Limiting login attempts (e.g., maximum of 5 attempts within 5 minutes).
🚀 Setting different request limits for free and premium users.
🚀 Controlling requests to avoid exceeding third-party API limits.
✅Summary: Rate limiting is a critical mechanism for backend developers to ensure system performance, security, and stability.
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