Best Practices for Using the VerseDB API

Cache Your Requests

If you're requesting the same data frequently (like titles or creators), consider caching the results on your end. This reduces unnecessary API calls and helps you stay within your hourly limit.

Use Bulk Endpoints When Possible

Some endpoints allow you to send or remove multiple items in one request. Take advantage of those instead of sending multiple single-item requests.

Examples:

• Add multiple items to a collection or wishlist
• Remove multiple read statuses

Monitor Rate Limit Headers

Every response includes these headers:

• X-RateLimit-Limit
• X-RateLimit-Remaining
• X-RateLimit-Reset

Use them to track your current usage and prevent going over the limit.

Handle 429 Responses Gracefully

If you exceed your limit, you'll receive a 429 response. Instead of hammering the API:

1. Pause requests for a few seconds
2. Retry using exponential backoff (wait 2s, then 4s, then 8s, etc.)
3. Always check the retry_after value in the response

Use Proper Authentication

Only authenticated users can access personal data like collections, wishlists, or pull lists. Make sure you're sending a valid Bearer token in your headers.

Authorization: Bearer your-api-token

Limit What You Request

Avoid fetching full lists unless you need them. Use query filters if available to request only what you need.

Don’t Share or Leak Your Token

Keep your token secret — it gives full access to your account's private data. If your token is ever exposed, delete it immediately from your token settings.

Summary

• Cache results when possible
• Use bulk actions to reduce traffic
• Watch your headers to avoid hitting limits
• Respect 429 responses with retries
• Protect your tokens at all times