# Streaming vs Polling

The Meta API provides two ways to obtain swap quotes:

* **Polling** — via the `/meta/swap` endpoint
* **Streaming** — via the `/meta/stream/swap` endpoint

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**`/meta/stream/swap` — Streaming Quotes**

Establishes a Server-Sent Events (SSE) stream that returns quotes in real time.

* Quotes are delivered on a **first-come, first-served** basis.
* Aggregators that respond sooner will be sent to the client immediately.
* Events include connection status, quotes, errors, heartbeats, and completion notifications.
* Intended to be directly integrated on frontend code.
* No authentication required only sensible IP based rate limits.

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**`/meta/swap` — Polling Quotes**

Fetches swap quotes for one or more aggregators in a single response.

* The `aggregators` query parameter defines which aggregators to query.
* If omitted, the API defaults to **all available aggregators**.
* The response **always includes `oogaBooga`** as a baseline aggregator.
* Quotes from other aggregators are subject to a **500ms cutoff** window; slower responses are excluded.
* The cutoff is based on observed averages and may be tuned in future releases.
* More suitable for backend usage.
* Requires an API key for authentication. Request key from <david@oogabooga.io>

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