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Understanding Rate Limits

Why Rate Limits?​

Rate limits are implemented to ensure the fair use and availability of our services to all users. By restricting the number of requests a user can make in a given time period, we can:

  • Protect the API from abuse or excessive use.
  • Ensure optimal performance and reliability for all users.
  • Manage and allocate server resources efficiently.

Monitoring Rate Limits​

Each API response includes several headers that help you track your current rate limit status:

  • x-ratelimit-remaining: The number of requests left for the time window.
  • x-ratelimit-reset: The number of seconds until the rate limit is reset.
  • x-ratelimit-limit: The total number of requests permitted within the time window (default time window is 10 minutes).

Exemple headers:

x-ratelimit-remaining: 8
x-ratelimit-reset: 120
x-ratelimit-limit: 10

In this example, you can make 8 more requests in the next 120 seconds before hitting the rate limit.

What to Do When You Hit the Rate Limit​

If you exceed the rate limit, your requests will be throttled and you will receive a 429 Too Many Requests HTTP status code. Here are steps to handle this situation:

  1. Pause Request Submissions: Stop sending requests until the rate limit period has been reset.
  2. Check the x-ratelimit-reset Header: This header tells you how long to wait before making another request.
  3. Implement Exponential Backoff: In your code, implement an exponential backoff strategy to progressively delay requests, ensuring compliance with the rate limit.
  4. Review Your Usage: Consider optimizing your API usage by caching responses or consolidating requests where possible.
  5. Request a higher limit Contact Askås and explain your need for a higher limit.