Linear Backoff
Linear backoff is a retry strategy used in computing to handle transient failures, such as network errors or server overloads, by progressively increasing the wait time between retry attempts in a linear fashion. It involves adding a fixed increment to the delay after each failed attempt, helping to reduce the load on systems and improve the chances of successful recovery. This approach is commonly applied in distributed systems, API calls, and database connections to manage temporary issues gracefully.
Developers should use linear backoff when building resilient applications that interact with external services or resources prone to intermittent failures, as it prevents overwhelming systems with rapid retries and allows time for issues to resolve. It is particularly useful in scenarios like handling rate-limited APIs, database connection pooling, or microservices communication, where a predictable and moderate increase in delay can balance retry efficiency with system stability. Compared to exponential backoff, linear backoff offers simpler implementation and more controlled delay growth, making it suitable for less volatile environments.