> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.benzinga.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Overview

> The Benzinga TCP streaming service provides real-time financial news and market data through a persistent TCP connection. This low-latency solution is ideal for applications requiring immediate access to market-moving information. 

## Key Features

* **Real-time Streaming**: Receive financial news and market events as they happen
* **Low Latency**: Direct TCP connection minimizes delivery delays
* **JSON Format**: All messages are delivered as structured JSON objects
* **Persistent Connection**: Maintain a continuous stream of market data

## Prerequisites

To connect to the Benzinga TCP service, you need:

| Requirement  | Description                        |
| ------------ | ---------------------------------- |
| **Username** | Your Benzinga TCP account username |
| **API Key**  | Your unique API access key         |

Contact Benzinga support to obtain your TCP credentials.

## Available Data

The TCP stream delivers various types of financial content including:

* **Option Alerts**: Unusual options activity, sweeps, and block trades
* **Press Releases**: Corporate announcements and news
* **Trading Halts**: Real-time halt and resume notifications
* **Analyst Ratings**: Price target changes and rating updates
* **Block Trades**: Large institutional transactions

## Quick Start

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Connection Guide" icon="plug" href="/tcp-reference/connection">
    Learn how to establish a TCP connection
  </Card>

  <Card title="Message Format" icon="code" href="/tcp-reference/message-format">
    Understand the JSON message structure
  </Card>

  <Card title="Python Client" icon="python" href="/tcp-reference/python-client">
    Use the Python client library
  </Card>

  <Card title="Go Client" icon="golang" href="/tcp-reference/go-client">
    Use the Go client library
  </Card>
</CardGroup>