For an API task that takes a very long time, like processing a large video file, how can the API respond quickly to the client while the task continues in the background?

When an API receives a request for a task that will take a very long time, such as processing a large video file, it must avoid performing that work directly within the immediate request-response cycle to prevent the client from timing out. This is achieved through asynchronous processing. First, the API quickly validates the incoming request. If valid, it generates a unique identifier for the task, often called a Job ID. This Job ID serves as a specific reference for the client to track the progress of its request. The API then places the details of this long-running task, including all necessary input data, into a task queue. A task queue, also known as a message queue, is a temporary storage mechanism that acts as a buffer. It allows one application component, like the API's initial endpoint, to send a message or task without waiting for another component to process it immediately. This decoupling ensures the API remains responsive. Immediately after successfully placing the task in the queue, the API sends an HTTP response back to the client, typically with an HTTP status code like 202 Accepted, which means the reque....