Web Sockets Vs Long/API Polling

Web Sockets Vs Long/API Polling

Websockets and API polling are both methods for establishing communication between a client (such as a web browser) and a server. However, they differ in their approach and usage scenarios.

  • Websockets provide full-duplex communication channels over a single, long-lived connection between the client and the server.

  • They are designed for real-time communication and enable the server to instantly push data to the client.

  • Websockets use a persistent connection, allowing the server and the client to send data at any time without repeated requests.

  • This makes WebSockets well-suited for applications that require real-time updates, such as chat applications, collaborative editing tools, live dashboards, Trading apps, or real-time gaming

  • API polling involves the client repeatedly sending requests to the server at regular intervals to check for updates or retrieve data.

  • The client initiates the communication by making an HTTP request to the server, and the server responds with the requested data.

  • This approach is suitable for scenarios where real-time updates are not critical, and periodic updates are sufficient.

  • API polling may result in more network traffic and server load than websockets because the client needs to send requests even if no new data is available.

  • However, it is widely supported and does not require any special server-side infrastructure.

Choosing between Websockets and API polling depends on the specific requirements of your application:

  • If you need real-time updates and instant communication between the client and the server, WebSockets are the better choice.

  • If periodic updates or occasional data retrieval is sufficient and real-time updates are not critical, API polling can be a simpler and more widely supported option.