How to batch update Airtable records without hitting API limits?

Other Questions Airtable
1

I’m struggling with Airtable API integration. I need to update a checkbox field for multiple records in a view. But I’m hitting the API rate limit of 5 calls/second.

Here’s what I’ve tried:

function updateRecordStatus(recordId) {
  $.ajax({
    url: `https://api.airtable.com/v0/myBase/MyTable/${recordId}`,
    headers: { 'Authorization': 'Bearer myApiKey' },
    method: 'PATCH',
    data: { 'fields': { 'StatusField': true } },
    success: () => console.log('Success!'),
    error: () => console.log('Failed')
  });
}

$('#updateButton').click(() => {
  let delay = 0;
  $('.record').each(function() {
    let id = $(this).attr('data-id');
    setTimeout(() => updateRecordStatus(id), delay);
    delay += 250;
  });
});

I’m getting mixed results. Some requests succeed, but I’m still getting ‘429 Too Many Requests’ and ‘422 Unprocessable Entry’ errors.

Any ideas on how to fix this? Should I switch to the official Node.js client instead? I’m new to this and could really use some guidance!

2

hey there, i feel ya on the airtable struggles. have you tried batching ur updates? u can send up to 10 records in one go, which might help with those pesky limits. also, maybe add a lil more delay between requests? like 500ms instead of 250. just my 2 cents, hope it helps!

3

I’ve been in your shoes, and I can tell you that handling Airtable’s API limits can be tricky. From my experience, switching to the official Node.js client might help, but it’s not a silver bullet.

Here’s what worked for me: implement a queue system with exponential backoff. Instead of setting timeouts for each request, push all updates into a queue. Then, process the queue with a delay between each request. If you hit a rate limit, increase the delay exponentially.

Also, consider batching your updates. Airtable allows up to 10 records per request. This can significantly reduce the number of API calls you need to make.

Lastly, error handling is crucial. Don’t just log errors; implement proper retries for failed requests. This way, you ensure all your records get updated eventually, even if it takes a bit longer.

Remember, patience is key when dealing with API limits. It’s better to take a bit longer than to have incomplete or failed updates.

4

Having dealt with Airtable’s API limits extensively, I can offer some insights. Firstly, consider implementing a queue system with retry logic. This approach allows you to manage failed requests more effectively. Secondly, utilize Airtable’s batch update feature, which allows up to 10 records per request, significantly reducing API calls.

For your specific case, you might want to restructure your code to use async/await with a sleep function between requests. This provides better control over the request timing. Additionally, implement error handling that distinguishes between rate limit errors and other issues, adjusting your retry strategy accordingly.

Lastly, if you’re dealing with a large number of records, consider breaking the updates into smaller chunks and processing them sequentially. This approach, while slower, ensures more reliable updates and helps avoid hitting rate limits altogether.