To understand real-time communication in web applications, you need to know how the WebSocket protocol works. WebSockets allow a browser and a server to establish a persistent connection. Unlike traditional HTTP requests, which operate on a request-response model, WebSockets create a continuous, open channel. This means that both the client and server can send data to each other at any time, without waiting for a request or response cycle to complete.

The process starts with a client (such as a browser) sending a special HTTP request to upgrade the connection to a WebSocket. Once established, this connection remains open, enabling bidirectional data flow. This persistent link is ideal for situations where information needs to be updated instantly on the client side, because it eliminates the need to repeatedly poll the server for changes.

WebSockets offer several advantages over polling:

• They reduce network overhead by avoiding repeated HTTP requests;
• They provide lower latency, as updates are sent immediately;
• They allow for true two-way communication, so both client and server can initiate messages;
• They scale better for real-time features, especially when many clients are connected.

These features make WebSockets a natural fit for modern web applications that demand instant updates and seamless interaction.

WebSockets are commonly used in scenarios where immediate data updates are essential. Some typical use cases include:

• Live chat applications, where users expect to see messages appear instantly;
• Real-time notifications, such as alerts for new activity or system events;
• Collaborative editing tools, where multiple users work on the same document simultaneously;
• Live dashboards and data feeds, including stock tickers or sports scores.

In React applications, WebSockets are especially relevant because React excels at updating the user interface in response to changing data. By combining React’s component-based rendering with the persistent, real-time capabilities of WebSockets, you can build interactive, engaging user experiences that respond instantly to server-side events.