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Glossary

WebSocket

November 21, 2023 - Around 3 mins mins to read

A WebSocket is a type of communication channel that remains open, allowing for bidirectional communication between a client and a server. Unlike traditional HTTP requests that follow a request-response model, WebSockets enable a persistent connection between the client and the server, facilitating real-time data transmission.

The process starts with a handshake, where the client sends an HTTP request to the server to establish the session. This handshake includes an upgrade request from the client, indicating the desire to use the WebSocket protocol. The server can then accept the upgrade request, and both parties can start exchanging data using the WebSocket protocol.

Once the handshake is complete, both the client and server can exchange data. The server acknowledges messages initiated by the client by sending messages back to the client. This bidirectional communication channel enables control flow between the client and server, transitioning from two-way messaging to one-way messaging when using HTTP cookies.

WebSockets have several advantages over traditional HTTP-based communication:

  1. Efficiency: When a significant amount of data needs to be transferred between the browser and the server, it can be more efficient to establish and keep an open connection until the task is completed. This is particularly advantageous when dealing with large or frequently changing data.
  2. Low Latency: Unlike HTTP, which requires initiating a new connection for each request, WebSockets maintain an open connection. This reduces latency as there is no need for establishing a connection repeatedly. It allows for real-time updates and immediate response from the server.
  3. Real-time Interaction: WebSockets provide the ability to push data from the server to the client without the need for the client to request it. This is particularly useful in scenarios where real-time updates are crucial, such as chat applications, stock tickers, and multiplayer games.

The HTML5 WebSocket API provides the necessary tools and functions for implementing WebSocket communication in web applications. To use WebSockets, you simply need to open a port in your firewall and configure your web server accordingly. This allows the WebSocket connection to be established between the client and the server.

WebSocket has various applications:

  • Real-time web applications: WebSockets provide bidirectional communication channels over a single TCP socket. Unlike HTTP, WebSocket connections can remain active indefinitely. They are designed for two-way communication between the client and server, especially when a large amount of data needs to be sent from the server to the client without any loss or waiting for the client to request more data. For example, trading websites rely on WebSocket channels to keep users informed about fluctuations. The backend servers of these websites continuously push data to the client end through the same open channel.
  • Gaming applications: WebSocket is widely used in gaming applications to enable real-time scenarios. It establishes a persistent connection between the client and server, allowing for seamless transmission of data without refreshing the user interface. The UI does not require another connection to receive data. For instance, multiplayer games heavily rely on WebSockets to provide a synchronized gaming experience among players.
  • Chat applications: WebSocket is the ideal protocol for broadcasting messages among users. Chat applications establish a connection using WebSocket and utilize the same open connection to send messages. This allows for real-time chat updates without the need for constant polling or refreshing the page.

By leveraging the capabilities of WebSockets, developers can create more interactive and responsive web applications. With its ability to maintain a persistent connection and enable bidirectional communication, WebSockets open up opportunities for real-time data streaming, collaborative features, and enhanced user experiences.

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Author

Coincu

Glossary

WebSocket

A WebSocket is a type of communication channel that remains open, allowing for bidirectional communication between a client and a server. Unlike traditional HTTP requests that follow a request-response model, WebSockets enable a persistent connection between the client and the server, facilitating real-time data transmission.

The process starts with a handshake, where the client sends an HTTP request to the server to establish the session. This handshake includes an upgrade request from the client, indicating the desire to use the WebSocket protocol. The server can then accept the upgrade request, and both parties can start exchanging data using the WebSocket protocol.

Once the handshake is complete, both the client and server can exchange data. The server acknowledges messages initiated by the client by sending messages back to the client. This bidirectional communication channel enables control flow between the client and server, transitioning from two-way messaging to one-way messaging when using HTTP cookies.

WebSockets have several advantages over traditional HTTP-based communication:

  1. Efficiency: When a significant amount of data needs to be transferred between the browser and the server, it can be more efficient to establish and keep an open connection until the task is completed. This is particularly advantageous when dealing with large or frequently changing data.
  2. Low Latency: Unlike HTTP, which requires initiating a new connection for each request, WebSockets maintain an open connection. This reduces latency as there is no need for establishing a connection repeatedly. It allows for real-time updates and immediate response from the server.
  3. Real-time Interaction: WebSockets provide the ability to push data from the server to the client without the need for the client to request it. This is particularly useful in scenarios where real-time updates are crucial, such as chat applications, stock tickers, and multiplayer games.

The HTML5 WebSocket API provides the necessary tools and functions for implementing WebSocket communication in web applications. To use WebSockets, you simply need to open a port in your firewall and configure your web server accordingly. This allows the WebSocket connection to be established between the client and the server.

WebSocket has various applications:

  • Real-time web applications: WebSockets provide bidirectional communication channels over a single TCP socket. Unlike HTTP, WebSocket connections can remain active indefinitely. They are designed for two-way communication between the client and server, especially when a large amount of data needs to be sent from the server to the client without any loss or waiting for the client to request more data. For example, trading websites rely on WebSocket channels to keep users informed about fluctuations. The backend servers of these websites continuously push data to the client end through the same open channel.
  • Gaming applications: WebSocket is widely used in gaming applications to enable real-time scenarios. It establishes a persistent connection between the client and server, allowing for seamless transmission of data without refreshing the user interface. The UI does not require another connection to receive data. For instance, multiplayer games heavily rely on WebSockets to provide a synchronized gaming experience among players.
  • Chat applications: WebSocket is the ideal protocol for broadcasting messages among users. Chat applications establish a connection using WebSocket and utilize the same open connection to send messages. This allows for real-time chat updates without the need for constant polling or refreshing the page.

By leveraging the capabilities of WebSockets, developers can create more interactive and responsive web applications. With its ability to maintain a persistent connection and enable bidirectional communication, WebSockets open up opportunities for real-time data streaming, collaborative features, and enhanced user experiences.

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