Skip to main content

Documentation Index

Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.houdiniswap.com/llms.txt

Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

Overview

Houdini supports three core routing strategies plus a fixed rate variant for standard swaps. You can choose to support one, multiple, or all routing types in your integration.

Routing Strategy Comparison

FeaturePrivate SwapStandard SwapFixed Rate StandardDEX Swap
Privacy LevelHighestHighHighPublic/Transparent
Wallet ConnectionNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredRequired
Speed15-45 minutes3-30 minutes3-30 minutesVariable (seconds to minutes)
Gas FeesNone (included)None (included)None (included)User pays
LiquidityHigh (CEX depth)Very HighVery HighVariable
Rate GuaranteeNoNoYes — locked at quoteNo (slippage applies)
Best ForPrivacy-focused usersFast executionPrice certaintyOn-chain transparency

1. Private Swap

How It Works

Private swaps route through multiple CEX hops to maximize privacy and eliminate the need for wallet connections.
1

User deposits source token

User sends funds to Houdini-provided deposit address
2

Multi-hop CEX routing

Funds route through 2 partner exchanges to break transaction trail
3

Delivery to destination

Final token arrives at user’s destination address

Technical Flow for Integrators

For detailed integration steps, see the Private Swap Integration Guide.

Pros and Cons

Advantages

  • Maximum privacy: Multi-hop breaks transaction trail
  • No wallet needed: Users just send to deposit address
  • No gas fees: All fees included in quote
  • Deep liquidity: Access to CEX order books

Considerations

  • Longer completion time: 15-45 minutes typical
  • CEX dependency: Relies on partner exchange availability
  • AML screening: Transactions screened by partner CEXs
  • Not instant: Not suitable for time-critical swaps

When to Use

  • Users prioritize privacy and anonymity
  • No wallet connection is possible or desired
  • Time is not critical (15-45 min acceptable)
  • Swapping larger amounts where CEX liquidity shines

2. Standard Swap (No Wallet Connect)

How It Works

Semi-private swaps use a single CEX hop for faster execution while maintaining privacy.
1

User deposits source token

User sends funds to deposit address
2

Single CEX hop

Funds route through one partner exchange
3

Quick delivery

Faster settlement to destination address (3-30 minutes)

Technical Flow for Integrators

For detailed integration steps, see the Standard Swap Integration Guide.
Standard swaps support a fixed rate variant — add fixed=true to your /quotes request to lock the rate and guarantee the output amount. See Fixed Rate Standard Swap below.

Pros and Cons

Advantages

  • Faster than multi-hop: 3-30 minutes typical
  • No wallet needed: Deposit address flow
  • No gas fees: Included in quote
  • Excellent liquidity: CEX order book depth

Considerations

  • Less privacy: Single hop vs multi-hop
  • CEX dependency: Relies on partner availability
  • AML screening: CEX compliance applies
  • Not instant: Still takes 3-30 minutes

When to Use

  • Balance between speed and privacy
  • Faster execution preferred (3-30 min vs 15-45 min)
  • No wallet connection needed
  • Good liquidity required

3. Fixed Rate Standard Swap

How It Works

Fixed rate is a variant of the standard swap that locks the exchange rate at quote time. The user receives exactly the quoted amountOut regardless of market movement, as long as the exchange is created before validUntil expires.

Technical Flow for Integrators

For detailed integration steps, see the Fixed Rate Swap Integration Guide.

Pros and Cons

Advantages

  • Guaranteed output: Exact amountOut delivered regardless of volatility
  • No wallet needed: Same deposit-address flow as standard
  • No gas fees: Included in quote
  • Same speed: 3-30 minutes like standard swaps

Considerations

  • Rate lock window: Must create the exchange before validUntil
  • refundAddress required: Must supply a source-chain refund wallet
  • Provider-bound: Rate tied to one provider — no fallback if provider goes down
  • CEX only: Not available for DEX or private swaps

When to Use

  • User needs a guaranteed output amount (e.g. paying an exact invoice)
  • High-value swaps where slippage is unacceptable
  • Partner wants to show a firm quote in the UI before the user commits

4. DEX Swap

How It Works

DEX swaps execute directly on-chain through decentralized exchanges and bridges.
1

User approves tokens

Wallet approves token spending (if needed)
2

Execute on-chain swap

Transaction sent to DEX or bridge contract
3

On-chain settlement

Swap completes on-chain, funds arrive at destination

Technical Flow for Integrators

For detailed integration steps, see the DEX Swap Integration Guide.

Pros and Cons

Advantages

  • Fully on-chain: Transparent and verifiable
  • No CEX dependency: Pure DeFi execution
  • Can be fast: Seconds to minutes depending on network
  • Trustless: Smart contract execution
  • Wide token support: Access to long-tail assets

Considerations

  • Public: All transactions visible on-chain
  • Requires wallet: User must connect wallet
  • User pays gas: Network fees additional
  • Variable gas costs: Can be expensive on Ethereum L1
  • Slippage risk: Especially for large trades or volatile pairs

When to Use

  • On-chain transparency required or preferred
  • Access to long-tail or newer tokens
  • Lower gas fee networks (L2s, alt-L1s)
  • Users already have wallet connected
  • Trustless execution is priority

Next Steps

Order Lifecycle

Understand order states and status transitions

Private Swap Guide

Detailed integration guide for private swaps

Fixed Rate Swap Guide

Guaranteed output — rate locked at quote time

DEX Swap Guide

Complete guide for DEX swap integration

API v2 Reference

Full API documentation for all endpoints