Choosing the Right Algorithm
Compare the fixed window, leaky bucket, and token bucket algorithms head-to-head to pick the right one for burst tolerance, smoothing, and simplicity.
One Size Does Not Fit All
You have studied fixed window counter, leaky bucket, and token bucket individually. Now the practical question: which one should you actually use? Each makes different trade-offs around bursts, smoothing, and cost.
The Decision Axes
Compare algorithms along a few axes:
- Burst tolerance: can clients spike briefly?
- Smoothing: is output traffic even?
- Memory cost: state per client.
- Fairness at boundaries.
All lessons in this course
- Fixed Window Counter Explained
- Leaky Bucket Algorithm Deep Dive
- Token Bucket Algorithm Mechanics
- Choosing the Right Algorithm