Frequently Asked
What is Web Socket?
WebSocket is a technology that allows a client to establish two-way communication with the server, where both the client and the server can trigger communication with one another simultaneously without any delay. It is a live connection that persists until terminated, either by the client or the server.
How do WebSockets work?
A WebSocket is established when the client sends an HTTP handshake request to the server with an ‘Upgrade’ header, specifying the wish to establish a WebSocket connection; if the server is capable of such a connection and allows the request, it sends back a successful handshake response, switching the connection from HTTP to WebSocket protocol - enabling a two-way communication channel where the client and the server can simultaneously send and receive data from each other.
When to use WebSockets?
WebSockets are essential client-server communication tools best utilized in building real-time web applications such as chat applications, gaming applications, and real-time dashboards, for they facilitate better data broadcast as well as provide low latency real-time updated or continuous stream of data flowing in a network. However, it is better to use the HTTP protocol in instances of acquiring data for one-time processing or retrieving old data.
What is Socket.IO?
Socket.IO is a library or framework that enables real-time, bidirectional and event-based communication between a client and a server, a good choice for building real-time web applications. Socket.IO is an abstract layer over the WebSocket API connection with additional features like automatic reconnection, broadcast/multicast messages, a fall-back to HTTP long-polling if a WebSocket connection is not established, etc.
Are WebSockets secure?
Like any communication protocol, WebSockets can be vulnerable to cyber-attacks and threats if not implemented correctly or secured appropriately. However, WebSockets, when used over an encrypted SSL connection, are very secure and can easily transmit and receive data between a WebSocket client and server. By following the best WebSocket security practices like high encryptions, secure authorizations and input validation with regular updates and ongoing testing, the security risks can be easily mitigated.
