Rate Limiter

Rate Limiter

Implement a token bucket rate limiter to control the rate of operations.

Recommended Prerequisites

Complete these exercises first for the best learning experience:

• ○Goroutine Counter
• ○Channel Ping-Pong

0/2 completed

Background

Rate limiting controls how frequently operations can occur. The token bucket algorithm is a popular approach:

• A bucket holds tokens (like a buffered channel)
• Tokens are added at a fixed rate
• Operations consume tokens
• If no tokens available, operations must wait or are rejected

This is essential for API rate limiting, preventing resource exhaustion, and ensuring fair resource usage.

Your Task

Implement a rate limiter with:

1. Token bucket using channels
2. Background goroutine that replenishes tokens
3. Allow() - Non-blocking check for available token
4. Wait() - Blocking wait for a token

Token Bucket Rate Limiter

~25 minmedium

Control operation rate using token bucket algorithm

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Key Concepts

• Token Bucket Algorithm: Classic rate limiting using tokens that replenish over time
• Burst Capacity: Initial bucket size allows short bursts while maintaining average rate
• Non-Blocking vs Blocking: Allow() returns immediately, Wait() blocks for token
• Buffered Channels as Buckets: Channel capacity naturally implements token bucket
• Background Replenishment: Goroutine with ticker adds tokens at fixed rate