Introduction: Many news platforms deliver articles via GET APIs , a standard method where you request data and get the latest articles back. But there’s a catch: this method often involves delays, and you might miss articles that are published just after your request or scraped later for past dates.
Level : Beginner (2 min readtime)
The Classic API — Good, but not Real-Time
Most platforms rely on GET APIs to deliver the latest content. You send a request, and the API returns the current articles. While this works, it comes with a delay, meaning you might miss a newly published article if it’s not included in the response.
This approach is fine for users who don’t mind waiting for the next refresh. However, the major drawback is that you’re not getting content in real-time.
Websockets — Real-Time, No Delays
On the other hand, Finlight.me ( I work with Finlight.me but there are also other apis that might have this — https://techdailyfeed.com/10-best-news-apis-for-devs) uses Websockets. With Websockets, you get immediate updates as soon as new articles are available — no need to keep making requests.
Even if articles are published later, the Websocket pushes them to you right away. No more waiting or missing out on the latest news.
Why Websockets Make a Difference
- Real-Time Updates: Websockets deliver news instantly, while APIs require you to manually request updates.
- No Missing Articles: With Websockets, you get all new content, even if it’s older but newly published.
- Effortless: Websockets push content directly to you, so you don’t have to constantly refresh or check for updates.
Conclusion: The Edge of Real-Time
While APIs work for users who are okay with delays, Finlight.me ’s Websockets offer a clear advantage for those who want real-time news without the wait. It’s a simple but powerful improvement that ensures you never miss out on the latest articles.
Disclaimer: I am currently working on news APIs and testing features for my own app. This post reflects my approach to evaluating news platforms and my experience working with Finlight.me, where I provided feedback to help improve their service. I highly recommend testing their free tier to make up your own mind and see how it fits your needs, because there is no higher free tier on other platforms right now.
Photo by Christopher Robin Ebbinghaus on Unsplash
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