Restricting how many requests a user, device, or application can make to a service within a set time period.
Rate limiting protects services from overload, abuse, and runaway costs. An API might allow each key 100 requests per minute; once the limit is reached, further requests receive an error, commonly HTTP status 429 Too Many Requests, until the window resets.
Rate limits defend against brute-force password guessing, scraping, spam, and some denial-of-service attacks. They also ensure fair use, so one heavy user does not degrade the experience for everyone else. Common algorithms include fixed windows, sliding windows, and token buckets, which allow short bursts while enforcing an average rate. Rate limiting is often implemented in API gateways, load balancers, or content delivery networks. Well-behaved clients respect limits and retry with gradually increasing delays.
Application Programming Interface: a defined set of rules that lets one piece of software request data or services from another.
API GatewayA server that sits in front of backend services and handles routing, authentication, rate limiting, and monitoring for API requests.
API KeyA unique code that identifies an application or user when it calls an API, used to control access, track usage, and apply billing.
Brute Force AttackAn attempt to break into an account or decrypt data by systematically trying many possible passwords or keys until one works.
DDoS AttackDistributed Denial of Service: an attack that floods a website or network with traffic from many sources to make it unavailable.
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