API throttling controls the speed at which requests are processed. When a user or system sends too many requests too quickly, the API may delay some of them, process them more slowly, or temporarily restrict additional requests. This helps the API stay responsive and prevents sudden overload.
Throttling is often used when demand increases beyond normal levels. It ensures that the system can handle traffic without crashing or becoming unreliable. It also avoids uneven usage where one user consumes far more resources than others.
For developers, throttling is a clear signal to reduce request frequency, optimize how data is fetched, or move to a plan with higher limits. It creates predictable system behavior and helps maintain consistent performance.
API throttling protects infrastructure, keeps applications stable, and ensures all users receive fair and reliable access to data. This is especially important in financial systems that depend on real-time performance.
API throttling occurs when a user exceeds the recommended request rate. The API slows or delays requests to protect system performance and maintain reliability.
Developers can avoid throttling by optimizing request frequency, caching data, batching calls, or upgrading to a plan with higher limits.
A data service receives a spike in requests from a single application. The API begins throttling to process the requests at a manageable speed. The application still receives data, but at a slower rate until usage returns to normal levels.
