API Rate Limiting on Shopify are a powerful tool for developers working with Shopify, enabling them to connect stores with various applications. However, Shopify enforces rate limits to prevent excessive requests that might overload their systems. For developers, understanding these rate limits and how to work within them is essential for smooth integration and optimal app performance. In this article, we’ll break down what Shopify API rate limiting is, how it works, and share best practices for managing it effectively.
Shopify uses a unique algorithm to track API usage. Developers must consider these limits when creating apps or integrations to ensure smooth functionality without exceeding allowed requests. Exceeding Shopify’s rate limits can result in throttling, slowing down or stopping requests, which impacts app performance. Understanding how to work within these limitations will help developers create robust Shopify applications that handle data responsibly and avoid interruptions.
What is Shopify API Rate Limiting?
API rate limiting on Shopify restricts the number of requests a developer can send to Shopify’s servers over a certain period. Rate limiting helps Shopify maintain system stability by ensuring that a single app doesn’t overwhelm the system with excessive requests, which could potentially slow down or disrupt service for other users.
Shopify’s API rate limit uses a system known as the leaky bucket algorithm. This algorithm provides a limited “bucket” for requests, which gradually refills over time. Each time a request is made, a “cost” is added to the bucket, and if the bucket reaches its maximum, no further requests can be made until it has partially refilled. This system enables steady request rates without risking sudden spikes that could overload Shopify’s infrastructure.
How Shopify’s API Rate Limiting Works
- Request Limits and Cost: Shopify’s API rate limits are based on a points system. Each request costs a certain number of points depending on its complexity. For example, simpler queries may cost fewer points, while more resource-intensive ones like data mutations or multiple complex fields in a query cost more.
- Bucket Refill Rate: The bucket has a maximum of 1,000 points and refills at a rate of 50 points per second. When a request is made, it consumes points from the bucket. If the available points drop to zero, requests are throttled, meaning they won’t process until more points are refilled.
- GraphQL vs. REST API Limits: Shopify’s GraphQL API uses a cost-based approach where each request has a variable cost. In contrast, the REST API has simpler rate limits with 40 requests allowed per second, which makes it easier for developers to manage, though it is generally less efficient than GraphQL for complex queries.
Managing API Rate Limits in Your Shopify App
When building Shopify apps, it’s crucial to manage your API rate usage carefully. Here are some tips to help developers make efficient use of their rate limits:
- Batching Requests: Instead of sending multiple individual requests, group data updates together in a single request when possible. This approach reduces the number of requests, helping you stay within limits.
- Caching Data: For data that doesn’t change often, such as product details or store information, use caching to reduce the number of repetitive requests. Cached data can be stored on your server and refreshed periodically.
- Monitoring Rate Limits: The Shopify API provides feedback on the remaining points in your bucket with each request. Monitoring this information helps you understand how close you are to hitting the rate limit and allows you to adjust your requests accordingly.
- Using GraphQL Efficiently: GraphQL is known for its efficiency because it lets developers specify exactly what data they need in a single request, unlike REST, which may return unnecessary information. By optimizing queries and avoiding unnecessary fields, developers can reduce the overall cost of each request.
- Retry Logic: Implementing retry logic allows your app to pause and retry requests if the rate limit is exceeded. This method ensures that once your rate limit refills, pending requests will automatically resume without interrupting app functionality.
Practical Example: Updating Prices Based on Commodity Changes
Let’s explore a common use case: updating product prices based on commodity prices. For instance, if your store sells gold bracelets, you might want to adjust the price based on market fluctuations in the price of gold.
- Set Up a Watcher: First, set up a Node.js application to query your product list and filter items tagged as “gold.” This list helps identify products impacted by gold price changes.
- Implement Real-Time Updates: To adjust prices dynamically, use a scheduled function (like a cron job) to query the latest gold price from an external API at regular intervals.
- Apply Changes with Rate Limit Awareness: As the price of gold changes, the function should update product prices in Shopify while staying within the rate limit. By spacing requests and watching the bucket refill, you can safely update all products without exceeding the limit.
How to Track Shopify API Rate Usage
Shopify provides rate-limit feedback in every API response. For REST API requests, rate-limit data is included in response headers. For GraphQL, developers can check the extensions object in the response, which includes the current available rate-limit points. Monitoring this feedback is a simple way to stay within limits, especially during large updates or peak traffic.
Using rawRequest in GraphQL allows you to capture rate-limit information. This function gives developers access to metadata like request costs and the remaining points in the rate limit bucket, which helps in optimizing future queries based on current usage levels.
Conclusion
Shopify’s API rate limits are essential for maintaining stable performance across the platform. By understanding these limits and integrating best practices, developers can build applications that efficiently retrieve and update store data without interruptions. Tools like caching, batching requests, and monitoring rate usage help you avoid throttling, creating a better user experience and a more reliable app.
Following these strategies ensures your Shopify app operates smoothly, even as you make frequent updates or large data requests. By staying within rate limits, you prevent service delays and can confidently build a scalable application that aligns with Shopify’s usage guidelines.
FAQs
Q: What is API rate limiting on Shopify?
A: Shopify’s API rate limiting restricts the number of requests a developer can make over time to protect system stability.
Q: How can I check my remaining API rate limit on Shopify?
A: In REST API responses, rate-limit information is in the response headers. For GraphQL, check the extensions object in the response.
Q: What is the maximum rate limit for Shopify’s API?
A: The GraphQL API has a maximum rate limit of 1,000 points, refilling at 50 points per second. The REST API allows 40 requests per second.
Q: How can I avoid hitting the Shopify API rate limit?
A: You can avoid rate limits by batching requests, caching data, and monitoring usage. Implement retry logic for handling throttling.
Q: Which Shopify API should I use to save on rate limits, REST or GraphQL?
A: GraphQL is generally more efficient for complex queries because it allows you to specify only the data you need, saving on rate costs.