How does rate limiting contribute to 'AuthenticationError: error code 401' with an incorrect API key message, and how to prevent it?

Rate limiting itself doesn't directly cause a 401 error; it typically leads to a 429 (Too Many Requests) error. However, if an API provider's rate limiting system has a bug or is incorrectly configured, it might incorrectly return a 401 error with a misleading 'incorrect API key' message when the rate limit is exceeded. To prevent this, understand the API's rate limits and implement proper request throttling in your application. If you suspect the 401 is due to a rate-limiting issue, contact the API provider to confirm.