REST API Limitations

REST API limitations refer to the constraints on the number, frequency, and type of requests that can be made using the REST (Representational State Transfer) architecture to interact with an exchange. Because REST is a request-response protocol, it is inherently less efficient for streaming data compared to websockets.

It is generally used for non-time-sensitive actions like fetching historical data, account management, or placing orders that do not require millisecond-level precision. Limitations include rate limits, request size caps, and the overhead of establishing a new connection for each request.

These constraints can become a bottleneck for automated systems that need to perform frequent account balance checks or bulk order updates. To overcome these, developers often implement caching strategies and prioritize critical requests.

Understanding the specific limitations of an exchange's REST API is vital for designing an efficient and stable trading infrastructure. It is often the first point of contact for developers building on a new platform.