WebSocket Summary
- WebSocket is a communication protocol for real-time, bidirectional data transfer.
- It enables low-latency interactions between clients and servers.
- Commonly used in applications requiring frequent updates, such as crypto trading platforms.
- Reduces overhead compared to traditional HTTP communication.
- Supports full-duplex communication channels over a single TCP connection.
WebSocket Definition
WebSocket is a protocol that provides full-duplex communication channels over a single TCP connection, enabling real-time, bidirectional data exchange between clients and servers with minimal overhead.
What Is WebSocket?
WebSocket is a communication protocol designed to facilitate real-time, bidirectional data transfer between clients and servers.
It operates over a single TCP connection, allowing for full-duplex communication, which means both the client and the server can send and receive data simultaneously.
WebSocket is standardized by the IETF as RFC 6455 and is supported by all modern web browsers.
Who Uses WebSocket?
WebSocket is widely used by developers and organizations that require real-time communication in their applications.
Cryptocurrency exchanges, trading platforms, and financial services often use WebSocket to provide live market data and instant trade execution.
Other users include online gaming platforms, chat applications, and IoT (Internet of Things) devices that need low-latency communication.
When Was WebSocket Developed?
WebSocket was first proposed by Ian Hickson in 2008 as part of the HTML5 initiative.
The protocol was standardized by the IETF in December 2011 with the publication of RFC 6455.
Since then, it has been widely adopted and integrated into modern web technologies.
Where Is WebSocket Used?
WebSocket is used in various applications that require real-time data transmission.
In the cryptocurrency and blockchain space, it’s commonly used in trading platforms and exchanges to provide live market data and execute trades instantly.
It is also used in web-based multiplayer games, online chat applications, and real-time collaboration tools.
Why Is WebSocket Important?
WebSocket is important because it enables real-time, bidirectional communication with minimal latency.
Traditional HTTP communication involves significant overhead due to the need to establish a new connection for each request-response cycle.
WebSocket maintains a persistent connection, reducing this overhead and allowing for faster data exchange, which is crucial for applications like crypto trading.
How Does WebSocket Work?
WebSocket works by establishing a persistent connection between a client and a server over a single TCP connection.
The connection begins with a WebSocket handshake, which is initiated by the client and upgraded from an HTTP request.
Once the handshake is complete, the connection remains open, allowing both the client and the server to send and receive data simultaneously without the need to re-establish the connection.
This full-duplex communication reduces latency and overhead, making it ideal for real-time applications.
