Max Semenik wrote:
I've got some bot-related questions:
1) What is the optimal request size for getting content of a large
list, e.g. is calling api.php?action=query&list=categorymembers 10
times with cmlimit=10 more server-hoggy than calling it once with
cmlimit=100?
It is prefered to do fewer calls although broader.
2) Should bots make delays between such calls?
I
think current policy is: you don't need to do pauses, but don't
perform more than a request a time (only one thread).
3) How CPU-expensive is editing via
https://secure.wikimedia.org ?
Would it be wise to allow people to use AWB via HTTPS?
Why would you do so?
HTTPS has another layer: more load and time for the servers and for AWB.
AWB wants to fastly do many edits. The SSL layer is problematic for both
sides!
If you're concerned about login security, AWB could get the login token
from secure and then act with normal http.
4) How severe can be strain put on servers by
retrieving contents of
a huge categry with its subcategories?