What are the differences between Socket.IO and WebSockets?

What are the differences between Socket.IO and WebSockets?

Socket.IO is a library that enables real-time, bidirectional communication between clients and servers, while WebSockets 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 WebSockets?

Sure! Socket.IO offers features like automatic reconnection, event-based communication, and support for fallback options, which makes it more robust than raw WebSockets.

Are there any scenarios where I should prefer WebSockets 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 want to minimize dependencies, WebSockets might be the better choice.

How do I implement Socket.IO in my project?

You can implement Socket.IO by installing it via npm, setting up a server with Node.js, and then connecting your client-side code to the server using the Socket.IO client library.