WebSocket is a computer communications protocol that allows for full-duplex communication between a client and server over a single, long-lived connection. It enables real-time data transfer between the client and server, making it ideal for applications that require frequent updates and instant response times. Unlike HTTP, which relies on request-response cycles to exchange data, WebSocket allows both parties to send data at any time without waiting for a response from the other party. This makes it efficient and suitable for applications such as online gaming, chat applications, stock trading platforms, and more. The WebSocket protocol uses the standard TCP/IP network protocol for communication and supports secure communication via SSL/TLS encryption.
