Regular Requests vs. WebSockets

Let’s say you visit a crypto exchange website to check the altcoin price. Normally, your browser sends an HTTP request, gets the price as a response, and that’s it. But while you’re on the page, the price changes, and you have to refresh the page to see the latest value. WebSockets solve this problem by creating a persistent connection between the client and the server, allowing the server to instantly send updates as soon as something changes. Basically, it’s like the difference between: ❌ Constantly asking: "Hey, what’s the $WBT price now?" ✅ Simply listening to the server, which tells you: "Hey, the price just updated, here’s the new value!" Where Are WebSockets Especially Useful?

Feb 18, 2025 - 13:53

Let’s say you visit a crypto exchange website to check the altcoin price. Normally, your browser sends an HTTP request, gets the price as a response, and that’s it. But while you’re on the page, the price changes, and you have to refresh the page to see the latest value.

WebSockets solve this problem by creating a persistent connection between the client and the server, allowing the server to instantly send updates as soon as something changes.

Basically, it’s like the difference between:
❌ Constantly asking: "Hey, what’s the $WBT price now?"
✅ Simply listening to the server, which tells you: "Hey, the price just updated, here’s the new value!"

Where Are WebSockets Especially Useful?