WebSocket is a protocol defined as a communication protocol. It allows the client and the server to establish a connection with each other and enable the flow of data. If the server accepts an HTTP request when it receives it from the client, a session is formed. The connection between client and server remains alive until terminated by the client or server. In other words, once the client or the server closes the connection, the last connection is terminated from both sides. WebSocket can also be described as an open connection between client and server. WebSocket can be used after opening a port on the firewall and setting up a web server.
Why Is WebSocket Used?
WebSocket was developed to overcome the limitations of HTTP-based technology.
The HTTP protocol supports one-way communication, where a resource is requested by the client and the server responds to the client with the requested data. In other words, the client must make a request when it wants to receive data from the server. WebSocket, on the other hand, has a structure similar to UDP (User Datagram Protocol) and allows message data-based data transmission with the reliability of TCP (Transmission Control Protocol).
WebSocket technology enables the development of real-time applications. It helps to establish instant communication between the client and the server. In this way, it becomes possible for the data on the server to be transmitted instantly to the client and for the client to send data in real-time.
One of the main advantages of a WebSocket is that connections can maintain themselves indefinitely, unlike HTTP. In addition, web applications using WebSockets are known to minimize latency.
When Is WebSocket Used?
WebSocket is used on some applications:
- Real-time web applications
- Game application
- Chat application
Real-time Web Applications
Real-time web applications use web sockets to instantaneously display client-side data that is constantly sent by the server. WebSocket allows this data to be continuously pushed and forwarded over the same connection. It improves the performance of web applications and enables faster communication. The continuous and real-time data flow allows the web application to react faster to the user, providing up-to-date information instantly.
Game Application
By using WebSocket in the game application, changes in the user interface can be made without refreshing the page. It allows the user to get updated information quickly and without interrupting the game experience. In the game application, changes to items that appear in the user interface such as player position, score, etc., are transmitted to the server via WebSocket. These changes are processed on the server side and sent back to allow other players and clients to receive the updated information.
With this method, the fluidity of the game is increased by updating only the changed data without the need to reload the page. For instance, when a player's position is updated, this information is transmitted to the server via WebSocket and only the position of the relevant player is updated in the other players' browsers.
Chat Application
A chat application is a communication platform where users can instantly share messages. WebSocket is used in chat applications to maintain a single connection for forwarding, publishing, and sharing messages between subscribers. In a chat application, messages sent by users, are transmitted to the server over WebSocket. The server uses the WebSocket connection to forward the received messages to other subscribers. In this way, each subscriber immediately receives the messages sent and can instantly communicate with other users participating in the chat.
What Are the Differences Between http and WebSocket?
There are some differences between http and WebSocket:
- Communication model
- Connection time
- Data transfer
- Communication structure
- Real-time communication
Communication Model
HTTP has a communication model between the client and server based on requests made by the client to the server and responses sent by the server to the client. The client must make one request at a time to receive data from the server. WebSocket, on the other hand, starts with HTTP but then creates a persistent connection that allows two-way communication. Data can be continuously pushed by the server to the client or sent by the client to the server.
Connection Time
HTTP creates a new connection for each request and terminates the connection after each response. It means that a connection has to be established repeatedly for each communication. WebSocket, on the other hand, provides a persistent connection after initially establishing the HTTP connection. This results in faster communication and lower network traffic.
Data Transfer
HTTP provides one-way data transfer. The server can send data in response to client requests, but the client cannot send data directly to the server. WebSocket, on the other hand, allows two-way data transfer. The client and server can send data to each other continuously.
Communication Structure
HTTP is based on requests made by the client to the server and responses sent by the server to the client. Communication is based on a request-response model. WebSocket, on the other hand, provides message-based communication. The client and server can send and receive messages directly to each other.
Real-time Communication
HTTP is not suitable for real-time communication. Communication can be delayed due to the request and response times of each client. WebSocket, on the other hand, supports real-time communication. Data is transmitted instantly and continuously. Thus, WebSocket makes it possible to develop real-time applications.
As a result, HTTP is a protocol based on a one-way request-response model. WebSocket, on the other hand, is a communication protocol that provides two-way and continuous data transfer.
