Websocket API vs REST API: Understanding the Differences

The rise of web technologies has led to the development of various APIs that allow developers to interact with web applications. Two popular types of APIs are WebSocket API and REST API. While both are used for exchanging data between client and server, they have different approaches and use cases. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between WebSocket API and REST API, and when to use each one.

What is WebSocket API?

WebSocket API is a protocol that enables real-time communication between a client and server. It provides a persistent connection between the two, allowing for bi-directional data exchange. This means that data can be sent from the server to the client, and vice versa, without the need for a request-response cycle. WebSocket API uses a single TCP connection, which is kept open for the duration of the session. This makes it ideal for applications that require instant updates or real-time data streams, such as chat applications, online gaming, and financial trading platforms.

What is REST API?

REST API, on the other hand, is a protocol that uses HTTP requests to retrieve or send data to a server. It follows a client-server architecture, where the client sends a request to the server, and the server responds with the requested data. REST API is stateless, which means that each request is independent of any previous requests. It uses HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, and DELETE to perform operations on resources. REST API is widely used in web application development and is ideal for applications that require CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations, such as social media platforms, e-commerce sites, and content management systems.

WebSocket API vs REST API: Differences

Connection

WebSocket API provides a persistent connection between the client and server, whereas REST API uses a request-response cycle for each operation. This means that WebSocket API is more efficient for real-time applications, as it eliminates the overhead of establishing a new connection for each data exchange. REST API, on the other hand, is more suitable for applications that require occasional data exchange.

Data Format

WebSocket API uses binary or text data formats for data exchange, whereas REST API uses JSON or XML formats. Binary or text formats are more efficient for real-time data exchange, as they have a smaller size and can be transmitted faster. JSON or XML formats are more suitable for REST API, as they are lightweight and human-readable, making them easy to parse and manipulate.

Server Load

WebSocket API puts more load on the server than REST API, as it requires a persistent connection for each client. This means that the server must maintain a higher number of connections, which can affect performance and scalability. REST API, on the other hand, is stateless, which means that the server can handle a large number of requests without affecting performance.

Security

WebSocket API is more secure than REST API, as it uses a single connection that is encrypted using the TLS protocol. This means that the data exchanged between the client and server is protected from eavesdropping and tampering. REST API, on the other hand, uses HTTP, which is not encrypted by default. To secure REST API, additional security measures such as HTTPS and OAuth must be implemented.

Use Cases

WebSocket API is ideal for applications that require real-time data exchange, such as chat applications, online gaming, and financial trading platforms. REST API, on the other hand, is suitable for applications that require occasional data exchange, such as social media platforms, e-commerce sites, and content management systems. REST API is also more suitable for public APIs, as it follows a standard protocol that is widely supported by web clients.

When to use WebSocket API?

WebSocket API should be used when real-time data exchange is required. This includes applications that require instant updates or real-time data streams, such as chat applications, online gaming, and financial trading platforms. WebSocket API is also ideal for applications that require low latency and high throughput, as it eliminates the overhead of establishing a new connection for each data exchange. However, WebSocket API should not be used for applications that do not require real-time data exchange, as it can put unnecessary load on the server.

When to use REST API?

REST API should be used when occasional data exchange is required. This includes applications that require CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations, such as social media platforms, e-commerce sites, and content management systems. REST API is also suitable for public APIs, as it follows a standard protocol that is widely supported by web clients. However, REST API should not be used for applications that require real-time data exchange, as it can result in latency and poor performance.

FAQ

What is the difference between WebSocket API and REST API?

WebSocket API is a protocol that enables real-time communication between a client and server, whereas REST API uses HTTP requests to retrieve or send data to a server. WebSocket API provides a persistent connection between the two, allowing for bi-directional data exchange, whereas REST API uses a request-response cycle for each operation. WebSocket API is more suitable for real-time applications, while REST API is more suitable for applications that require occasional data exchange.

When should I use WebSocket API?

WebSocket API should be used when real-time data exchange is required. This includes applications that require instant updates or real-time data streams, such as chat applications, online gaming, and financial trading platforms. WebSocket API is also ideal for applications that require low latency and high throughput.

When should I use REST API?

REST API should be used when occasional data exchange is required. This includes applications that require CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations, such as social media platforms, e-commerce sites, and content management systems. REST API is also suitable for public APIs, as it follows a standard protocol that is widely supported by web clients.

Is WebSocket API more secure than REST API?

WebSocket API is more secure than REST API, as it uses a single connection that is encrypted using the TLS protocol. This means that the data exchanged between the client and server is protected from eavesdropping and tampering. REST API, on the other hand, uses HTTP, which is not encrypted by default.

Which data format should I use for WebSocket API?

WebSocket API supports binary or text data formats for data exchange. Binary or text formats are more efficient for real-time data exchange, as they have a smaller size and can be transmitted faster. However, the data format should be chosen based on the requirements of the application and the capabilities of the client and server.

Which data format should I use for REST API?

REST API supports JSON or XML formats for data exchange. JSON or XML formats are lightweight and human-readable, making them easy to parse and manipulate. However, the data format should be chosen based on the requirements of the application and the capabilities of the client and server.