What are the differences between long polling and WebSockets?

What are the differences between long polling and WebSockets?

Long polling is a technique where the client requests information from the server and the server holds the request open until new data is available. WebSockets, on the other hand, establish a persistent connection that allows for two-way communication between the client and server.

Which one is more efficient for real-time applications?

WebSockets are generally more efficient for real-time applications because they maintain an open connection, reducing latency and overhead compared to long polling.

Can you give me an example of when to use long polling?

Long polling can be useful in scenarios where WebSockets are not supported, such as older browsers or certain network environments. For example, a chat application might use long polling as a fallback.

Are there any downsides to using WebSockets?

Yes, WebSockets can be more complex to implement and may require additional server resources to manage persistent connections. Additionally, they may not work well in environments with strict firewalls.