Idempotency

intermediate
software

Definition

Property where performing the same operation multiple times produces the same result as doing it once. Like pressing an elevator button repeatedly - the elevator still only comes once.

Real-World Example

Payment APIs use idempotency so if a customer accidentally clicks 'Pay' twice, they're only charged once. The second identical request is safely ignored.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Idempotency?

Property where performing the same operation multiple times produces the same result as doing it once. Like pressing an elevator button repeatedly - the elevator still only comes once.

How is Idempotency used in cloud computing?

Payment APIs use idempotency so if a customer accidentally clicks 'Pay' twice, they're only charged once. The second identical request is safely ignored.

What are related terms to Idempotency?

Related concepts include API Design, Distributed Systems, Retry Logic. Understanding these connections helps build a comprehensive knowledge of cloud computing concepts.

Explore More Cloud Computing Terms