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 (e.g., web browser) and a server. It is designed to overcome the limitations of HTTP polling by establishing a persistent connection, allowing low-latency, efficient transmission of messages in both directions. This makes it ideal for applications requiring live updates, such as chat apps, online gaming, and financial trading platforms.
Developers should use WebSocket when building applications that require real-time, two-way communication, such as live notifications, collaborative editing tools, or multiplayer games, as it reduces latency and server overhead compared to HTTP-based alternatives. It is particularly valuable in scenarios where frequent, small data updates are needed, as it avoids the overhead of repeated HTTP requests and responses, improving performance and user experience.