Choose pagination that fits data size, ordering, and the need for stable results.
The core idea
Offset pagination is simple: request a page after skipping a number of rows. Cursor pagination uses a stable position, often a unique key or timestamp plus ID, and can behave better for large or frequently changing datasets.
A practical way to approach it
Define a deterministic sort order, return the next cursor clearly, and validate page size. For cursor pagination, encode enough information to resume after the last returned item and consider whether the cursor needs signing.
Try it in a small project
Build a feed sorted by creation time and ID. Insert new records between page requests and compare whether offset and cursor approaches cause duplicates or skipped items.
Common mistakes to avoid
Pagination does not replace rate limits. Avoid unbounded page sizes, and do not expose database internals in opaque cursors.
Key takeaway
Keep the first version small, make your assumptions explicit, and verify the result with a repeatable test. For production use, check the current official documentation for the tools and versions you choose.