WebSocket

WebSocket is a communication protocol that provides full-duplex, bidirectional communication channels over a single TCP connection, enabling real-time data exchange between a client (typically a web browser) and a server. It allows for persistent connections where both parties can send messages at any time without the overhead of HTTP request-response cycles, making it ideal for applications requiring low-latency updates. This protocol is standardized by the IETF as RFC 6455 and is widely supported in modern web browsers and server environments.

Also known as: WebSockets, WS, Web Socket, websocket, RFC 6455

🧊Why learn WebSocket?

Developers should use WebSocket when building applications that require real-time features, such as live chat, collaborative editing, online gaming, financial tickers, or live sports updates, as it reduces latency and server load compared to polling techniques like HTTP long-polling. It is particularly valuable in scenarios where instant data synchronization between multiple clients and a server is critical, such as in dashboards, notifications, or IoT device monitoring, enabling efficient and scalable real-time communication.

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Compare WebSocket

WebSocket vs Server Sent Events→WebSocket vs Long Polling→WebSocket vs Mqtt→

Learning Resources

MDN Web Docs: WebSocket API

WebSocket.org - Introduction and Tutorials

RFC 6455: The WebSocket Protocol

Socket.IO Documentation

WebSockets Crash Course - Client & Server with Node.js

Related Tools

Http Real Time Communication Server Sent Events Socket Io Tcp

Alternatives to WebSocket

Server Sent Events Long Polling Mqtt

Other API Protocols

Acme Protocol is a standardized communication protocol used for automated certificate management, primarily for obtaining and renewing SSL/TLS certificates from certificate authorities (CAs). It enables servers and applications to automatically request, validate, and install certificates without manual intervention, streamlining the process of securing web services with HTTPS. The protocol is widely implemented by CAs and tools like Let's Encrypt to support the ACME (Automated Certificate Management Environment) standard.

ActivityPub is an open, decentralized social networking protocol that enables servers to communicate and share social activities, such as posts, likes, and follows, across different platforms. It is a W3C standard that defines a client-to-server API for creating, updating, and deleting content, as well as a server-to-server API for federated interactions between independent servers. This allows users on different social media platforms to interact seamlessly, fostering interoperability in the fediverse.

ActivityPub is a decentralized social networking protocol that enables different social platforms to communicate with each other, allowing users to interact across independent servers. It provides a standardized way for servers to exchange social activities like posts, likes, and follows, forming a federated network where no single entity controls the entire system. This protocol underpins many modern federated social networks, promoting interoperability and user autonomy.

AMQP (Advanced Message Queuing Protocol) is an open standard application layer protocol for message-oriented middleware, enabling reliable, secure, and interoperable messaging between applications. It defines a wire-level protocol for message queuing, routing, and delivery, supporting features like publish/subscribe, request/reply, and point-to-point communication. AMQP is widely used in distributed systems, microservices architectures, and enterprise messaging to decouple components and handle asynchronous communication.

BACnet (Building Automation and Control Networks) is a communication protocol designed specifically for building automation and control systems, such as HVAC, lighting, and security. It enables interoperability between devices from different manufacturers by defining standard data objects, services, and network rules. Developed by ASHRAE, it is widely used in commercial and industrial buildings for efficient management and monitoring.

BACnet (Building Automation and Control Networks) is a communication protocol designed specifically for building automation and control systems, such as HVAC, lighting, and security. It enables interoperability between devices from different manufacturers by standardizing data exchange over various network types, including Ethernet, IP, and serial links. The protocol defines objects, services, and data structures to facilitate monitoring and control of building systems.