What are the differences between Socket.IO and WebSocket?

What are the differences between Socket.IO and WebSocket?

Socket.IO is a library that enables real-time, bidirectional communication between web clients and servers, while WebSocket is a protocol that provides a full-duplex communication channel over a single TCP connection.

Can you explain the advantages of using Socket.IO over WebSocket?

Sure! Socket.IO offers features like automatic reconnection, event-based communication, and fallback options for older browsers, making it more versatile than raw WebSocket.

Are there any scenarios where I should prefer WebSocket instead of Socket.IO?

Yes, if you need a lightweight solution without the additional features of Socket.IO, or if you're working in an environment where you control both the client and server, WebSocket might be preferable.

What about performance? Which one is faster?

WebSocket generally has lower latency and overhead compared to Socket.IO, but the difference may not be significant for most applications.