A rate limit is a restriction on the number of requests a user or system can send to a server or API within a given time frame. It helps prevent overload, ensures fair resource distribution, and mitigates abuse (e.g., DDoS attacks or spam).

Common Rate-Limiting Methods:

1. Fixed Window – A set number of requests within a fixed time window (e.g., max 100 requests per minute).

2. Sliding Window – A dynamic limit based on recent requests.

3. Token Bucket – Users get a certain number of "tokens" for requests, which regenerate over time.

4. Leaky Bucket – Requests are placed in a queue and processed at a controlled rate.

Examples of Rate Limits:

• An API allows a maximum of 60 requests per minute per user.

• A website blocks an IP after 10 failed logins within 5 minutes.

If you need to implement rate limits in web development, various techniques and tools are available, such as Redis, NGINX rate limiting, or middleware in frameworks like Laravel or Express.js.