Streaming
Sending AI model output incrementally as it's generated rather than waiting for the complete response. Improves perceived latency.
In-Depth Explanation
Streaming in AI refers to returning model outputs progressively as they're generated, token by token, rather than waiting for the entire response to complete before sending. This technique transforms user experience for AI applications.
How streaming works:
- Client initiates request with streaming enabled
- Server begins generating response
- Each token is sent immediately when generated
- Client displays tokens as they arrive
- Stream closes when generation completes
Benefits of streaming:
- Perceived latency: Users see immediate response
- Time to first token: Often under 500ms vs seconds
- User engagement: Active feedback keeps users engaged
- Cancellation: Users can stop unwanted generations early
- Progressive rendering: Content builds naturally
Implementation considerations:
- Server-Sent Events (SSE) for web applications
- WebSockets for bidirectional communication
- Chunked HTTP responses
- Client-side token accumulation and rendering
When streaming matters most:
- Chat interfaces (ChatGPT experience)
- Real-time assistants
- Long-form content generation
- Interactive applications
Business Context
Streaming makes AI feel 3-5x faster to users by showing responses as they're generated, crucial for chat interfaces.
How Clever Ops Uses This
We implement streaming for all conversational AI applications we build for Australian businesses. The improved user experience significantly impacts adoption and satisfaction.
Example Use Case
"Words appearing one at a time in a chatbot response like ChatGPT, giving immediate feedback while the full response generates."