API Rate Limiting

Every system that provides a public API sooner or later faces the need to limit the number of requests to this system. Rate limiting is based on restricting access to a service for humans or bots using different rules and access policies. There are usually several reasons why this can be useful:

• Overload protection. Rate limiting prevents server overload due to an excessive number of simultaneous requests, which can lead to reduced performance or even system crashes due to resource shortages.
• Protection from attacks. Access restrictions reduce the risk of attacks, such as DDoS, which involve sending a large number of requests to bring the system down.
• Fair resource distribution. This ensures equal access to the API for all users, preventing any single client from monopolizing the service’s resources.
• Cost efficiency. Rate limiting can be used to control resource costs and prevent excessive expenses in maintaining the system.
• Monetization. Rate limiting is an essential part of the business model for companies that provide API access. The company can offer clients different pricing plans with varying numbers of requests to the system.

In this way, API rate limiting ensures stability, security, and cost-effectiveness, protecting the service and supporting its monetization. At WebbyLab, rate limiting APIs are often a mandatory part of an API-first system implemented for our own products or those of our clients.