Rate limiting controls the number of requests made from an API to promote fair access, and maintain peak performance.
Rate limiting is a technique that controls how many requests a user or application can make to an Application Programming Interface (API) within a specific timeframe. An API is a set of rules that allow software programs to communicate with each other. A rate limit thus limits the number of requests allowed per second, minute, or hour to prevent a single user from overwhelming the system. The action contributes to availability and performance, preventing lags in the system.
According to a study from the Software Institute in Switzerland, “API Rate Limiting plays a critical role in ensuring the security of an API system. It helps to protect against various types of attacks, including denial-of-service (DoS) attacks…”
Rate limiting primarily manages resource usage and service quality. It also serves as a method of preventing attacks like denial of service (DoS) attacks where attackers flood the system with requests to disrupt its operation. In setting a maximum number of requests, the rate limit ensures that no single client can overwhelm the API with excessive requests. In the event of a DoS attack, the rate limit mechanism will identify and block these excessive requests and mitigate API crashing.
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An attempt by hackers to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system or network.
A set of rules that allows different software applications to communicate with each other.
It is commonly used to overwhelm the normal functions of a website or service.