WebSockets are a communication protocol that enables persistent, two-way communication channels over a single TCP connection between a client and a server. Unlike traditional HTTP, which is request-response based, WebSockets allow for real-time, full-duplex communication, making them ideal for applications needing low-latency, instant updates.
Key aspects of WebSockets:
- Persistent Connection:WebSockets establish a long-lived connection, unlike HTTP’s request-response cycle, which requires a new connection for each data exchange.
- Bi-directional Communication:Both the client and server can send data at any time without needing to wait for a request, enabling real-time interaction.
- Low Latency:The persistent connection and efficient data transfer mechanisms minimize latency, making them suitable for applications requiring instant updates.
- Use Cases:WebSockets are widely used in chat applications, online gaming, live dashboards, financial trading platforms, and any application requiring real-time data updates.
- Example:A chat application using WebSockets can instantly display messages from other users without requiring users to refresh the page.
- Over HTTP:While WebSocket is a separate protocol, it often uses HTTP for the initial handshake to upgrade the connection to WebSocket.
- WSS (Secure WebSocket):Similar to HTTPS, WSS provides a secure, encrypted connection for WebSocket communication.
- Libraries:Libraries like websockets for Python simplify WebSocket implementation for developers.
In essence, WebSockets provide a more efficient and faster way to build real-time, interactive web applications compared to traditional HTTP-based approaches.