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How would you implement rate limiting for a REST API?

Discuss methods to control the number of requests a client can make to a REST API over a specific period.

#REST#API#Rate Limiting

Answer

  1. Implement rate limiting using middleware in your server:
    • Use libraries like express-rate-limit for Express.js applications.
    • Configure rules for how many requests are allowed per time window.
  2. Use Redis or similar in-memory databases to store client request counts and timestamps:
    • This provides fast and reliable data access.
  3. Consider techniques like:
    • Fixed Window: Reset count after a fixed period.
    • Sliding Window: Offers more granularity.
    • Token Bucket: Allows burst traffic.
  4. Provide feedback: Return HTTP status code 429 (Too Many Requests) when limits are exceeded.
  5. Document your API limits clearly for clients.

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