AlgoPlus//structures / rate-limiting
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Rate Limiting · Token Bucket

Absorb bursts up to a capacity, then throttle to the refill rate.

Capacity
6
Allowed
0
Dropped
0
Legend
Token
Allowed
Dropped (429)
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In a nutshell
Rate limiting caps how fast a client can make requests so one user can't overwhelm a service. The token-bucket method holds a fixed number of tokens that refill at a steady rate; each request spends one. A full bucket lets a short burst through instantly, then requests are throttled to the refill rate, and once it's empty extra requests are rejected.
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A token bucket starts full and refills steadily. Each request spends a token; when it's empty, requests are rejected — so bursts are absorbed up to the capacity, then smoothed to the refill rate.
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