WebSocket
A communication protocol providing full-duplex communication channels over a single TCP connection.
Also: WS
Definition
WebSocket is a communication protocol that provides full-duplex (bidirectional), real-time communication channels over a single, long-lived TCP connection. Unlike HTTP, which is request-response, WebSocket allows the server to push data to the client at any time without the client polling. WebSockets are ideal for real-time applications such as chat applications, live sports scores, collaborative editing, stock tickers, and online gaming. The connection is established via an HTTP upgrade handshake.
Example
“A stock trading platform uses WebSocket so the server can instantly push price updates to thousands of traders' browsers the moment prices change.”
Synonyms
- real-time socket
- bidirectional connection
- persistent connection
- full-duplex channel
Antonyms / Opposites
- HTTP polling
- short-lived connection
- request-response
Images
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Related Terms
- http
- tcp-ip
- real-time
- server-sent-events