Pagination patterns in FastAPI - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is pagination in web APIs?

Pagination is a way to split large sets of data into smaller chunks or pages. It helps users get data bit by bit instead of all at once, making the app faster and easier to use.

beginner

Name two common pagination patterns used in APIs.

The two common pagination patterns are:<br>1. Offset-based pagination: Uses page number and page size to fetch data.<br>2. Cursor-based pagination: Uses a unique marker (cursor) to fetch the next set of data.

intermediate

How does offset-based pagination work in FastAPI?

Offset-based pagination uses query parameters like 'skip' and 'limit'. 'skip' tells how many items to skip, and 'limit' tells how many items to return. FastAPI reads these parameters and returns the correct slice of data.

intermediate

What is a cursor in cursor-based pagination?

A cursor is a unique identifier (like an ID or timestamp) that marks the last item fetched. The API uses this cursor to return the next set of items after it, making pagination efficient and consistent.

advanced

Why might cursor-based pagination be better than offset-based pagination?

Cursor-based pagination is better for large or changing data because it avoids skipping items or showing duplicates. It is faster and more reliable when data changes while users browse.

In FastAPI, which query parameters are commonly used for offset-based pagination?

A skip and limit

B cursor and limit

C page and size

D start and end

FastAPI commonly uses 'skip' to skip items and 'limit' to set how many items to return in offset-based pagination.

What does a cursor represent in cursor-based pagination?

A The total number of pages

B A unique marker for the last fetched item

C The page number

D The size of each page

A cursor is a unique marker like an ID or timestamp that points to the last item fetched, helping to get the next items.

Which pagination pattern can cause duplicates if data changes during browsing?

A Infinite scrolling

B Cursor-based pagination

C Offset-based pagination

D No pagination

Offset-based pagination can cause duplicates or missing items if data changes while browsing because it relies on fixed positions.

Why is pagination important in APIs?

A To split data into smaller, manageable parts

B To avoid using databases

C To make data harder to access

D To load all data at once

Pagination splits large data into smaller parts so apps load faster and users can navigate easily.

Which FastAPI feature helps read query parameters for pagination?

A Path parameters

B Request body

C Headers

D Query parameters

FastAPI uses query parameters to read pagination inputs like 'skip' and 'limit'.

Explain how offset-based pagination works in FastAPI and when you might use it.

Think about how you tell the API which items to skip and how many to return.

Describe cursor-based pagination and why it can be better for large or changing datasets.

Imagine a bookmark that remembers where you left off.