sockets
Internal endpoints for sending and receiving data on a network.
WebSocket is different from HTTP. While HTTP is request-response based (half-duplex), WebSocket enables a persistent connection where data can flow in both directions simultaneously (full-duplex). This makes it ideal for applications requiring low latency and real-time updates, such as chat apps, live sports tickers, collaborative editing tools, and multiplayer online games. The handshake starts with an HTTP request that is 'upgraded' to a WebSocket connection.
graph LR
Center["sockets"]:::main
Rel_network_latency["network-latency"]:::related -.-> Center
click Rel_network_latency "/terms/network-latency"
Rel_internet_of_things_iot["internet-of-things-iot"]:::related -.-> Center
click Rel_internet_of_things_iot "/terms/internet-of-things-iot"
Rel_encryption_in_transit["encryption-in-transit"]:::related -.-> Center
click Rel_encryption_in_transit "/terms/encryption-in-transit"
classDef main fill:#7c3aed,stroke:#8b5cf6,stroke-width:2px,color:white,font-weight:bold,rx:5,ry:5;
classDef pre fill:#0f172a,stroke:#3b82f6,color:#94a3b8,rx:5,ry:5;
classDef child fill:#0f172a,stroke:#10b981,color:#94a3b8,rx:5,ry:5;
classDef related fill:#0f172a,stroke:#8b5cf6,stroke-dasharray: 5 5,color:#94a3b8,rx:5,ry:5;
linkStyle default stroke:#4b5563,stroke-width:2px;
🧠 Knowledge Check
🧒 Explain Like I'm 5
A socket is like an electrical outlet for data. If you want your vacuum cleaner (your program) to work, you have to plug it into the wall (the socket). One end is on your computer, and the other end is on the server you are talking to.