What does throttling mean in API management?

Throttling in API management refers to the practice of controlling the amount and speed of requests sent to an API. This is crucial for maintaining the stability and performance of the API, especially when it’s subjected to high traffic loads. By implementing throttling, API providers can ensure that no single user or application overwhelms the service, which could lead to degradation of performance or even downtime.

Throttling helps maintain a smooth experience for all users by distributing requests fairly and preventing resource exhaustion. It involves setting limits on the number of requests that can be made in a given time frame, such as a certain number of requests per second or minute. This balance ensures that the API can serve all users efficiently without being overloaded.

The other concepts may play a role in API management but do not define throttling. Increasing capacity refers to scaling the API infrastructure to handle more requests rather than controlling the flow of requests. Monitoring performance metrics is about tracking how well the API is functioning, and limiting the number of users accessing an API deals with user access rather than the rate at which requests are made.