Server-Side APIs vs WebSockets

Developers should learn Server-Side APIs to build modern applications where the frontend (e meets developers should learn and use websockets when building applications that require real-time features, such as live chat, online gaming, financial trading platforms, collaborative editing tools, or live sports updates, as it reduces latency and server load compared to polling techniques like http long-polling. Here's our take.

Server-Side APIs

Nice Pick

Developers should learn Server-Side APIs to build modern applications where the frontend (e

Pros

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• Related to: rest-api, graphql

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

WebSockets

Developers should learn and use WebSockets when building applications that require real-time features, such as live chat, online gaming, financial trading platforms, collaborative editing tools, or live sports updates, as it reduces latency and server load compared to polling techniques like HTTP long-polling

Pros

• It is particularly valuable in scenarios where instant data synchronization between clients and servers is critical, such as in IoT device monitoring or interactive dashboards, because it maintains an open connection for continuous data flow
• Related to: http, real-time-communication

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. Server-Side APIs is a concept while WebSockets is a protocol. We picked Server-Side APIs based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

Server-Side APIs wins

Based on overall popularity. Server-Side APIs is more widely used, but WebSockets excels in its own space.