WebSocket

WebSocket is a communication protocol that provides full-duplex, real-time bidirectional communication channels over a single TCP connection between clients and servers. The protocol enables persistent connections that allow servers to push data to clients instantly without requiring repeated polling requests. WebSocket is commonly used in applications requiring real-time updates such as chat applications, live notifications, collaborative editing tools, and financial trading platforms. It significantly reduces latency and bandwidth usage compared to traditional HTTP polling methods. Modern web browsers natively support WebSocket through JavaScript APIs, making it accessible for web application development. The protocol is defined in RFC 6455 and operates over standard HTTP ports 80 and 443. WebSocket is often used in conjunction with frameworks like Socket.io, SignalR, or native implementations for building interactive, real-time web experiences.