WebSocket Definition
WebSocket is a communication protocol that provides a full-duplex, bidirectional communication channel between a client (usually a web browser) and a server. This technology is crucial in real-time applications where the server should be able to push messages to a client without being prompted for them.
WebSocket Key Points
- WebSocket protocol enables interaction between a web browser and a web server with lower overheads.
- It provides full-duplex communication channels over a single TCP connection.
- WebSocket makes real-time communication much more efficient compared to the traditional HTTP.
- It is ideal for applications such as chats, updates on stock prices, or sports scores where data needs to be updated in real-time.
What is WebSocket?
WebSocket is a standardized protocol that enables a two-way communication channel over a single TCP connection. It was developed as part of HTML5 and is supported in nearly all modern browsers. WebSocket is used to solve the problem of real-time data updates in applications, which was not well served by the HTTP request-response model.
Why is WebSocket important?
WebSocket is important because it dramatically reduces the complexities and resource consumption involved in real-time, bidirectional communication between servers and clients. It makes web applications faster and more responsive by allowing for unsolicited messages from servers and keeps connections open, instead of requiring clients to continuously poll for updates.
When is WebSocket used?
WebSocket is used when real-time functionality is essential for the application. Examples include chat applications, real-time gaming, live news or stock updates, and collaboration tools. It is also crucial in “Internet of Things” applications where device statuses need to be tracked in real-time.
Where is WebSocket used?
WebSocket is generally used in web applications that require real-time, bidirectional communication. It can be implemented server-side in various languages like JavaScript (via Node.js), Python, Java, C#, Ruby, etc. On the client-side, it is supported in nearly all modern web browsers.
Who uses WebSocket?
WebSocket is used by developers building web-based real-time applications. Almost all modern browsers support WebSocket, making it accessible to a majority of internet users. Businesses that operate in areas like finance, gaming, social media, and communication often leverage WebSocket in their applications for real-time functionality.
How does WebSocket work?
WebSocket creates a persistent, full-duplex connection between the client and the server. Once the WebSocket connection is established, both the client and the server can send messages at any time, without waiting for requests from the other party. This minimizes the amount of data transferred and makes the communication more efficient compared to the traditional HTTP request-response model.
