2 Server Push vs Websocket: Which One is Better?

Introduction

When it comes to web development, there are many ways to create real-time applications that offer a seamless user experience. Two popular methods are 2 server push and Websocket. Both these technologies are used to provide real-time updates to users without the need for them to refresh the page.

However, developers often get confused between the two and aren’t sure which one to choose. In this article, we will discuss the differences between 2 server push and Websocket and help you decide which one is better suited for your project.

What is 2 Server Push?

2 Server push is a technology that allows the server to send updates to the client without the need for the client to request them. The server pushes the data to the client as soon as it becomes available. This technology is often used to update a webpage’s content without the need for the user to refresh the page.

2 Server push uses a technique known as long polling. In long polling, the client sends a request to the server, and the server keeps the connection open until it has new data to send. Once new data is available, the server sends it to the client, and the connection is closed. The client then sends another request and the process repeats.

The advantage of 2 Server push is that it reduces the number of requests that the client needs to make, which reduces the load on the server. However, it is not as efficient as Websocket as it requires the overhead of opening and closing connections for every update.

What is Websocket?

Websocket is a technology that provides a full-duplex communication channel over a single TCP connection. This means that the server and client can send data to each other at any time without the need for the client to request it.

Websocket uses a persistent connection that remains open between the server and client. This connection can be used to send data in both directions at any time. This makes Websocket more efficient than 2 Server push as it eliminates the need for opening and closing connections for every update.

2 Server Push vs Websocket

Architecture

The architecture of 2 Server push and Websocket is different. 2 Server push uses long polling, which requires the client to send a request to the server and keep the connection open until new data is available. Once new data is available, the server sends it to the client, and the connection is closed. This process repeats for every update.

Websocket, on the other hand, uses a persistent connection that remains open between the server and client. This connection can be used to send data in both directions at any time, making it more efficient than 2 Server push.

Speed

Websocket is faster than 2 Server push as it eliminates the need for opening and closing connections for every update. This means that Websocket can send updates to the client in real-time, without any delay.

2 Server push, on the other hand, may have some delay as it requires the client to send a request to the server and keep the connection open until new data is available.

Compatibility

2 Server push is compatible with most modern browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. However, it may not work on older browsers that do not support long polling.

Websocket, on the other hand, may not be compatible with older browsers that do not support HTML5. However, it is compatible with most modern browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.

Scalability

Websocket is more scalable than 2 Server push as it uses a persistent connection that remains open between the server and client. This connection can be used to send data in both directions at any time, making it more efficient than 2 Server push.

2 Server push, on the other hand, may require more server resources as it requires the server to open and close connections for every update.

Security

Both 2 Server push and Websocket are secure technologies. However, Websocket is more secure than 2 Server push as it uses a single connection that is encrypted using SSL/TLS. This makes it more difficult for hackers to intercept the data being sent between the server and client.

Conclusion

Both 2 Server push and Websocket are great technologies for creating real-time applications. However, Websocket is more efficient, faster, and more secure than 2 Server push. It is also more scalable and compatible with most modern browsers.

If you are developing a new real-time application, we recommend using Websocket over 2 Server push. However, if you have an existing application that uses 2 Server push, it may not be necessary to switch to Websocket.

FAQs

1. What is 2 Server push?

   2 Server push is a technology that allows the server to send updates to the client without the need for the client to request them. The server pushes the data to the client as soon as it becomes available.

2. What is Websocket?

   Websocket is a technology that provides a full-duplex communication channel over a single TCP connection. This means that the server and client can send data to each other at any time without the need for the client to request it.

3. Which one is better, 2 Server push or Websocket?

   Websocket is better than 2 Server push as it is more efficient, faster, and more secure. It is also more scalable and compatible with most modern browsers.

4. Is 2 Server push compatible with all browsers?

   No, 2 Server push may not be compatible with older browsers that do not support long polling.

5. Is Websocket secure?

   Yes, Websocket is secure as it uses a single connection that is encrypted using SSL/TLS.