What are alternatives to WebSockets?
Polling (client asks every N seconds simple but wasteful), Long polling (server holds the request until data is available), SSE/Server-Sent Events (one-way server-to-client push over HTTP), and WebSocket (full-duplex, persistent, bidirectional). Choose based on your use case.
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More FAQs in What Are WebSockets and How They Differ from HTTP Real-Time Communication Guide
WebSockets provide full-duplex, persistent communication between client and server over a single TCP connection. Unlike HTTP's request-response model, WebSockets keep the connection open and allow the server to push data to the client at any time. This is essential for real-time features.
HTTP is request-response (client asks, server responds, connection closes). WebSockets are full-duplex and persistent (connection stays open, both sides can send at any time). HTTP has overhead per request (headers), WebSockets have minimal overhead after the initial handshake.
Use WebSockets for real-time features (chat, notifications, live updates, gaming, collaboration) where the server needs to push data instantly. Use polling for simple, low-frequency updates where real-time isn't critical. WebSockets are more efficient for frequent bidirectional communication.
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