HTTP Long Polling vs GraphQL Subscriptions

Developers should learn HTTP Long Polling when building real-time features like chat applications, live notifications, or stock tickers in environments where WebSockets are not supported or feasible, such as older browsers or restrictive network configurations meets developers should use graphql subscriptions when building applications that require real-time functionality, such as messaging apps, live dashboards, or multiplayer games, to avoid inefficient polling and reduce latency. Here's our take.

HTTP Long Polling

Nice Pick

Developers should learn HTTP Long Polling when building real-time features like chat applications, live notifications, or stock tickers in environments where WebSockets are not supported or feasible, such as older browsers or restrictive network configurations

Pros

• It provides a fallback mechanism for real-time communication, ensuring compatibility and reliability in diverse deployment scenarios, though it may introduce latency and server overhead compared to more modern alternatives
• Related to: websockets, server-sent-events

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

GraphQL Subscriptions

Developers should use GraphQL Subscriptions when building applications that require real-time functionality, such as messaging apps, live dashboards, or multiplayer games, to avoid inefficient polling and reduce latency

Pros

• They are essential in scenarios where data changes frequently and clients need instant updates without manual refreshes, enhancing user experience and system efficiency
• Related to: graphql, apollo-server

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use HTTP Long Polling if: You want it provides a fallback mechanism for real-time communication, ensuring compatibility and reliability in diverse deployment scenarios, though it may introduce latency and server overhead compared to more modern alternatives and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use GraphQL Subscriptions if: You prioritize they are essential in scenarios where data changes frequently and clients need instant updates without manual refreshes, enhancing user experience and system efficiency over what HTTP Long Polling offers.

The Bottom Line

HTTP Long Polling wins

Developers should learn HTTP Long Polling when building real-time features like chat applications, live notifications, or stock tickers in environments where WebSockets are not supported or feasible, such as older browsers or restrictive network configurations