How to handle (429) Too Many Requests issue in API

Question

Got issue (429) Too Many Requests while call shoipfy endpoint.

Prasad Raveendran · Answer

A 429 error, also known as "Too Many Requests," is an HTTP status code that indicates the client has sent too many requests in a given time frame. This response is typically sent by servers to prevent overwhelming the system and to ensure fair usage for all users. Handling 429 errors is specific to the API or service you're interacting with, so it's important to consult the documentation provided by the service to understand their rate limiting policies and any specific recommendations they provide.

Rajkiran Swain · Answer

When encountering a (429) Too Many Requests error while making API calls, it means that you have exceeded the rate limit set by the API provider. The API provider imposes this limit to prevent abuse and ensure fair usage for all users. To handle this issue, you can follow these steps: 1. Respect the rate limit: Review the API provider's documentation to understand the rate limits and usage policies. Ensure that your application adheres to these limits to avoid triggering the (429) error. The rate limit may be defined as the number of requests per minute, hour, or day. 2. Implement backoff and retry logic: When you receive a (429) error, it's a signal to back off and retry the request after a certain period. The API provider usually includes a "Retry-After" header in the response, indicating the duration you should wait before making the next request. Honor this header and implement a retry mechanism with exponential backoff. Gradually increase the wait time between retries to avoid overwhelming the API server. 3. Implement rate limiting on your end: To avoid hitting the rate limits consistently, you can implement rate limiting on your application side. Track the number of requests you make and enforce a limit within the allowed rate. This helps to regulate your own API usage and prevent triggering the (429) error. 4. Optimize your API usage: Review your application's API usage and identify any unnecessary or redundant requests. Minimize the number of requests you make by batching multiple operations into a single request or using bulk operations if available. This can help reduce the overall API calls and lower the chances of hitting rate limits. 5. Contact the API provider: If you consistently encounter the (429) error despite adhering to the rate limits and optimizing your API usage, it may be beneficial to reach out to the API provider for further assistance. They can provide insights into the specific rate limits, offer guidance on handling the issue, or potentially increase the rate limit for your application if needed. By respecting the rate limits, implementing backoff and retry logic, and optimizing your API usage, you can effectively handle the (429) Too Many Requests issue and ensure a smoother API integration experience.

Aravind Govindaraj · Answer

This is due to the API limitation. please refer the Shopify documentation https://shopify.dev/docs/api/usage/rate-limits#resource-based-rate-limits