HTTP 408 Request Timeout vs 429 Too Many Requests
Both HTTP 408 (Request Timeout) and 429 (Too Many Requests) belong to the 4xx Client Error category. 408 indicates that the server timed out waiting for the request. The client did not produce a request within the time the server was prepared to wait. Meanwhile, 429 means that the user has sent too many requests in a given time (rate limiting). The response should include a Retry-After header.
Description
The server timed out waiting for the request. The client did not produce a request within the time the server was prepared to wait.
When You See It
When a client takes too long to send the complete request (slow upload, network issues).
How to Fix
Retry the request. Check your network connection. Reduce request payload size.
Description
The user has sent too many requests in a given time (rate limiting). The response should include a Retry-After header.
When You See It
When hitting API rate limits or making too many requests too quickly.
How to Fix
Check the Retry-After header. Implement exponential backoff. Consider caching responses.
Key Differences
HTTP 408: The server timed out waiting for the request. The client did not produce a request within the time the server was prepared to wait.
HTTP 429: The user has sent too many requests in a given time (rate limiting). The response should include a Retry-After header.
You encounter 408 when when a client takes too long to send the complete request (slow upload, network issues).
You encounter 429 when when hitting API rate limits or making too many requests too quickly.
When to Use Which
For 408 (Request Timeout): Retry the request. Check your network connection. Reduce request payload size. For 429 (Too Many Requests): Check the Retry-After header. Implement exponential backoff. Consider caching responses.