WebSocket and Its Difference from HTTP

HTTP and WebSocket are both ways for computers to talk to each other, but they work in different ways. HTTP is used for simple requests, like when you load a webpage, where the computer sends a request and the server replies, then the connection is closed. WebSocket keeps the connection open, allowing for real-time, two-way communication, making it great for things like live chats or online games where constant updates are needed. 

• Unlike HTTP’s request-response model, WebSockets allow real-time data exchange without repeated requests.
• Once established, the connection stays open until explicitly closed by either side.
• Reduces overhead of repeated HTTP headers, enabling faster message delivery.
• Typically uses port 80 (ws://) or 443 (wss:// for secure WebSockets) and supported by Most modern browsers and server frameworks.

Normal HTTP Flow (When we visit a webpage)

WebSocket Flow (When we use a web chat based application)

Applications of WebSocket

Chat applications, live notifications, online games, stock tickers, collaborative editing tools.]

• WhatsApp Web, Slack and Facebook Messenger : For instant messaging sync between browser and phone.
• Google Docs – Collaborative document editing where changes appear instantly.
• Zoom / Microsoft Teams – For live presence indicators, chat messages, and meeting controls.
• TradingView – Real-time stock, crypto, and forex price updates.
• Uber – Live driver location and ride status updates.
• Online multiplayer games – Many browser-based games use WebSockets for low-latency player interactions.

How does WebSocket Work?

It starts with normal HTTP connection and then upgrades to WebSocket protocol.

1. Connection Start – Client sends an HTTP request with Upgrade: websocket header to the server.
2. Handshake – Server responds with 101 Switching Protocols to confirm the upgrade.
3. Persistent TCP Link – The connection switches from HTTP to WebSocket protocol, staying open.
4. Full-Duplex Communication – Both client and server can send messages anytime without requests.
5. Data Frames – Messages are split into frames (text or binary) and sent over the connection.
6. Low Overhead – No repeated HTTP headers; only message data is exchanged.
7. Keep-Alive – Connection remains active until either side closes it.
8. Close Handshake – One side sends a close frame; the other replies, then the TCP link ends.

When not to use WebSocket?

WebSocket can be used if we want any real-time updated or continuous streams of data that are being transmitted over the network but if we want to fetch old data, or want to get the data only once to process it with an application we should go with HTTP protocol, old data which is not required very frequently or fetched only once can be queried by the simple HTTP request, so in this scenario, it's better not use WebSocket.

Note: RESTful web services are sufficient to get the data from the server if we are loading the data only once. 

Differences between HTTP and WebSocket Connection

HTTP is a stateless protocol that runs on top of TCP which is a connection-oriented protocol it guarantees the delivery of data packet transfer using the three-way handshaking methods and re-transmits the lost packets.  WebSocket is bidirectional and a full-duplex protocol

Note: Depending on your project you have to choose where it will be WebSocket or HTTP Connection.