Dynamic

Ajax Polling vs Long Polling

Developers should use Ajax Polling when building applications that require periodic data updates, such as live notifications, chat applications, or dashboards with real-time metrics, especially in environments where simpler alternatives like WebSockets or Server-Sent Events are not supported meets developers should learn long polling when building applications that need real-time features but cannot use websockets due to browser compatibility or infrastructure constraints. Here's our take.

🧊Nice Pick

Ajax Polling

Developers should use Ajax Polling when building applications that require periodic data updates, such as live notifications, chat applications, or dashboards with real-time metrics, especially in environments where simpler alternatives like WebSockets or Server-Sent Events are not supported

Ajax Polling

Nice Pick

Developers should use Ajax Polling when building applications that require periodic data updates, such as live notifications, chat applications, or dashboards with real-time metrics, especially in environments where simpler alternatives like WebSockets or Server-Sent Events are not supported

Pros

  • +It is suitable for low-frequency updates or legacy systems, but for high-frequency or low-latency needs, more efficient methods are recommended to reduce bandwidth and server overhead
  • +Related to: ajax, javascript

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Long Polling

Developers should learn long polling when building applications that need real-time features but cannot use WebSockets due to browser compatibility or infrastructure constraints

Pros

  • +It is particularly useful for scenarios like live chat, stock tickers, or collaborative editing tools where immediate data updates are critical
  • +Related to: websockets, server-sent-events

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use Ajax Polling if: You want it is suitable for low-frequency updates or legacy systems, but for high-frequency or low-latency needs, more efficient methods are recommended to reduce bandwidth and server overhead and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use Long Polling if: You prioritize it is particularly useful for scenarios like live chat, stock tickers, or collaborative editing tools where immediate data updates are critical over what Ajax Polling offers.

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The Bottom Line
Ajax Polling wins

Developers should use Ajax Polling when building applications that require periodic data updates, such as live notifications, chat applications, or dashboards with real-time metrics, especially in environments where simpler alternatives like WebSockets or Server-Sent Events are not supported

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