WebSockets vs HTTP Long Polling

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 meets 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. Here's our take.

WebSockets

Nice Pick

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

HTTP Long Polling

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

The Verdict

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

The Bottom Line

WebSockets wins

Based on overall popularity. WebSockets is more widely used, but HTTP Long Polling excels in its own space.