> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.thesports.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.thesports.com/help-center/football/differences-between-standings-api-endpoints.md).

# Differences between standings API endpoints

### Standings API endpoint comparison

{% columns %}
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#### **BASIC DATA**

[**Season standings(newest season)**](/thesports-docs/basic-data/season-standing-newest-season.md): Returns standings data for the season specified by the `season id` parameter. <mark style="color:red;">Only the latest season can be queried.</mark>

[**Real-time standings**](/thesports-docs/basic-data/real-time-standings.md): Returns standings data that has changed within the past 10 minutes.
{% endcolumn %}

{% column %}

#### **DATABASE DATA**

[**Season standings(all season)**](/thesports-docs/database-data/season-standing-all-season.md): Returns standings data for the season specified by the `season id` parameter. <mark style="color:red;">Both current and historical seasons can be queried.</mark>
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### Update timing and coverage

#### Update timing:

The **Season standings (newest season)** and **Season standings (all season)** API endpoints are updated after a match ends. Use notifications from the **Data update** API endpoint to determine when to retrieve the latest standings data. This will be explained in the following section.

The **Real-time standings** API endpoint updates standings in real time based on goals scored during a match.

#### Coverage:

**Real-time standings** is available only for popular competitions. Some less popular and lower-tier competitions are not covered. Refer to the actual API response to determine data availability.

**Season standings (newest season)** and **Season standings (all season)** provide broader coverage than **Real-time standings** and include most competitions.

### Usage suggestions

If **Season standings (all season)** is enabled, you do not need to use **Season standings (newest season)**.

First, retrieve the complete dataset from **Season standings (all season)**. Then request **Data update** and **Real-time standings** at regular intervals. Use the data returned by these API endpoints to update the corresponding records in your local database. These API endpoints can be used together without conflict.

### Using the Data update API endpoint

The **Data update** API endpoint returns notifications for changes made within the past 120 seconds.

For example, when the standings data for a season changes, the response includes the corresponding `season_id`. Use this id to request the latest data from the appropriate **Season standings (newest season)** or **Season standings (all season)** API endpoint.


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