Polling
Polling is a client-server communication technique where a client repeatedly requests updates from a server at regular intervals to check for new data or changes. It involves the client sending periodic requests (e.g., every few seconds) to the server, which responds with the current state or any updates. This approach is simple to implement but can be inefficient due to constant network traffic and potential delays in receiving updates.
Developers should use polling when building applications that require real-time or near-real-time updates but where server-push technologies like WebSockets are not feasible or necessary, such as in simple dashboards, status monitors, or legacy systems. It is suitable for low-frequency updates or scenarios with limited server resources, as it avoids the complexity of maintaining persistent connections, though it may not be optimal for high-frequency or latency-sensitive applications.