A WebSocket is a communication protocol that provides full-duplex communication channels over a single TCP connection. It is designed to enable real-time, two-way interactions between a client and server. WebSockets start with an initial handshake over HTTP, after which the connection is upgraded to WebSocket, allowing for continuous communication without the need to repeatedly open new connections.
How do WebSockets work?
WebSockets work by establishing a persistent connection between the client and server. The process begins with an HTTP request from the client to the server to initiate a WebSocket connection. If the server supports WebSockets, it responds with an acceptance message, and the connection is upgraded from HTTP to WebSocket. Once established, the WebSocket connection allows for bi-directional communication, meaning that both the client and server can send and receive messages at any time without having to re-establish the connection.
A WebSocket is a protocol for full-duplex communication over a single TCP connection. To use WebSockets, a client (usually a web browser) initiates a connection to a WebSocket server using an HTTP upgrade request. If the server accepts the request, the protocol switches from HTTP to WebSocket, enabling the two parties to exchange messages in real-time. WebSockets are commonly used in applications that require live updates, such as chat applications, live notifications, and online gaming.
A WebSocket connection is established through a process that begins with an HTTP request from the client to the server. This request includes an Upgrade header indicating that the client wants to establish a WebSocket connection. If the server supports WebSockets, it responds with a status code confirming the upgrade. Once this handshake is complete, the connection is switched from HTTP to WebSocket, allowing for full-duplex communication.
Under the hood, WebSockets work by leveraging a TCP connection that remains open for the duration of the communication session. After the initial HTTP handshake, WebSockets maintain a single, long-lived TCP connection. This connection allows for the efficient exchange of data between client and server with minimal overhead. Messages are sent as WebSocket frames, which include metadata and payload data, enabling real-time communication with low latency.