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Fixed-window allows bursts at boundaries; sliding-window smooths them out.
What you're seeing
Fixed-window: count requests per discrete window (e.g., per minute). At minute boundaries, full capacity instantly available again — burst exploitable.
Sliding-window: weight current + previous window proportional to how far into the current window we are. Smoother enforcement; the standard for rate limiting in 2026.
★ KEY TAKEAWAY
Sliding-window enforces a smooth rate. Fixed-window allows bursts at boundary moments.
▶ WHAT TO TRY
- Click Burst 20 — see how each strategy handles it.
- Sliding-window rejects sooner but more smoothly.