When should you prefer WebSocket API and when should you avoid it?

The WebSocket API is a powerful tool for creating real-time, interactive applications. However, it is essential to understand when to use it and when to avoid it to ensure optimal performance and efficiency in your applications.

When to Prefer WebSocket API

• Real-time Communication: If your application requires real-time updates (e.g., chat applications, live notifications), WebSocket is ideal.
• Low Latency: WebSocket is suited for scenarios that need low-latency communication, such as online gaming.
• Bidirectional Data Flow: When your application needs to send and receive messages simultaneously, WebSocket is preferable.

When to Avoid WebSocket API

• Simple CRUD Applications: For standard applications that perform create, read, update, and delete operations without real-time needs, traditional HTTP/REST is sufficient.
• Overhead and Complexity: If your project does not require the overhead of maintaining WebSocket connections, it could complicate your architecture unnecessarily.
• Compatibility Issues: If you're targeting older browsers or platforms where WebSocket support is inconsistent, it's safer to use standard HTTP techniques.