The Ultimate Guide to ASP.NET Core WebSocket Example

WebSocket is a communication protocol that allows full-duplex communication between a client and a server over a single TCP connection. ASP.NET Core is a cross-platform, open-source framework for building modern web applications. In this article, we will explore ASP.NET Core WebSocket example and how to use it in your application.

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What is ASP.NET Core WebSocket?

ASP.NET Core WebSocket is a library that allows you to create WebSocket endpoints in your ASP.NET Core application. It provides a simple API for handling WebSocket connections and messages. WebSocket allows you to send and receive data between the client and the server in real-time, without the need for constant HTTP requests.

How to Create ASP.NET Core WebSocket Example?

Creating an ASP.NET Core WebSocket example is easy. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Create a new ASP.NET Core project: Open Visual Studio and create a new ASP.NET Core project. Choose the Web Application template and select ASP.NET Core 3.1 or later.
Add the WebSocket middleware: In the Startup.cs file, add the WebSocket middleware to the pipeline using the UseWebSockets method.
Create a WebSocket endpoint: In the Controllers folder, create a new controller and add a WebSocket endpoint using the [HttpGet] and [WebSocket] attributes.
Handle WebSocket messages: In the WebSocket endpoint method, handle incoming WebSocket messages using the ReceiveAsync method.
Send WebSocket messages: In the WebSocket endpoint method, send WebSocket messages using the SendAsync method.
Test the WebSocket endpoint: Run the application and connect to the WebSocket endpoint using a WebSocket client.

WebSocket Middleware in ASP.NET Core

The WebSocket middleware in ASP.NET Core provides a simple API for handling WebSocket connections and messages. The middleware can be added to the pipeline using the UseWebSockets method in the Startup.cs file.

The UseWebSockets method adds the WebSocket middleware to the pipeline. It also adds the necessary headers to the response to initiate a WebSocket handshake.

WebSocket Endpoint in ASP.NET Core

A WebSocket endpoint in ASP.NET Core is a method that handles WebSocket connections and messages. It can be added to a controller using the [HttpGet] and [WebSocket] attributes.

The [WebSocket] attribute tells ASP.NET Core that the method is a WebSocket endpoint. The [HttpGet] attribute specifies the URL that the WebSocket endpoint will listen on.

Handling WebSocket Messages in ASP.NET Core

Handling WebSocket messages in ASP.NET Core is done using the ReceiveAsync method. The ReceiveAsync method reads incoming WebSocket messages and returns a WebSocketReceiveResult object that contains information about the message.

You can use the WebSocketReceiveResult object to determine the type of message and its length. You can also use the WebSocketReceiveResult object to determine if the message is complete or if it needs to be read again.

Sending WebSocket Messages in ASP.NET Core

Sending WebSocket messages in ASP.NET Core is done using the SendAsync method. The SendAsync method sends a WebSocket message to the client.

You can send WebSocket messages of different types, such as text, binary, and close. You can also send multiple WebSocket messages in succession.

WebSocket Security in ASP.NET Core

WebSocket security in ASP.NET Core is important to prevent unauthorized access to your WebSocket endpoint. You can secure your WebSocket endpoint using authentication and authorization.

You can use ASP.NET Core authentication middleware to authenticate WebSocket connections. You can also use ASP.NET Core authorization middleware to authorize WebSocket connections based on user roles and permissions.

ASP.NET Core WebSocket Example Code

Here is an example of ASP.NET Core WebSocket code:

[HttpGet("/ws")][WebSocket]public async Task WebSocket(){var socket = await HttpContext.WebSockets.AcceptWebSocketAsync();while (socket.State == WebSocketState.Open){var buffer = new byte[1024 * 4];var result = await socket.ReceiveAsync(new ArraySegment<byte>(buffer), CancellationToken.None);if (result.MessageType == WebSocketMessageType.Text){var message = Encoding.UTF8.GetString(buffer, 0, result.Count);var bytes = Encoding.UTF8.GetBytes("Hello, " + message);await socket.SendAsync(new ArraySegment<byte>(bytes, 0, bytes.Length), result.MessageType, result.EndOfMessage, CancellationToken.None);}else if (result.MessageType == WebSocketMessageType.Close){await socket.CloseAsync(result.CloseStatus.Value, result.CloseStatusDescription, CancellationToken.None);}}}

Conclusion

ASP.NET Core WebSocket is a powerful tool for real-time communication between the client and the server. It allows you to create WebSocket endpoints in your ASP.NET Core application and handle WebSocket connections and messages using a simple API.

With ASP.NET Core WebSocket example code, you can easily create WebSocket endpoints in your application and send and receive WebSocket messages in real-time.

FAQ

What is WebSocket?

WebSocket is a communication protocol that allows full-duplex communication between a client and a server over a single TCP connection.

What is ASP.NET Core?

ASP.NET Core is a cross-platform, open-source framework for building modern web applications.

How do I create an ASP.NET Core WebSocket endpoint?

To create an ASP.NET Core WebSocket endpoint, add the WebSocket middleware to the pipeline in the Startup.cs file, create a WebSocket endpoint method in a controller using the [HttpGet] and [WebSocket] attributes, and handle WebSocket messages using the ReceiveAsync and SendAsync methods.