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TCP Networking vs WebSockets

Developers should learn TCP Networking when building applications that require reliable data transmission, such as client-server systems, real-time communication tools, or any networked software where data loss is unacceptable 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.

🧊Nice Pick

TCP Networking

Developers should learn TCP Networking when building applications that require reliable data transmission, such as client-server systems, real-time communication tools, or any networked software where data loss is unacceptable

TCP Networking

Nice Pick

Developers should learn TCP Networking when building applications that require reliable data transmission, such as client-server systems, real-time communication tools, or any networked software where data loss is unacceptable

Pros

  • +It is crucial for understanding network programming, debugging connectivity issues, and optimizing performance in distributed systems, making it a core skill for backend, full-stack, and network engineers
  • +Related to: ip-networking, udp-networking

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. TCP Networking is a concept while WebSockets is a protocol. We picked TCP Networking based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

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The Bottom Line
TCP Networking wins

Based on overall popularity. TCP Networking is more widely used, but WebSockets excels in its own space.

Learn about TCP Networking →Learn about WebSockets →

Disagree with our pick? nice@nicepick.dev