Question
Answer and Explanation
The short answer is: It depends. Not all APIs use WebSockets, and many APIs use traditional HTTP requests.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Traditional HTTP APIs (REST, GraphQL):
- Most APIs follow a request-response model using HTTP. This is what you typically see with RESTful or GraphQL APIs.
- A client sends a request, and the server sends a response. This is a synchronous communication; the client waits for each request before initiating another.
- These are ideal for operations like fetching data, submitting forms, and general interaction with a server where real-time updates aren't crucial.
WebSocket APIs:
- WebSockets enable persistent, bidirectional communication between a client and a server.
- After an initial handshake using HTTP, the connection remains open, allowing the server to push data to the client without the client needing to explicitly request it.
- This is highly beneficial for real-time applications such as chat applications, live dashboards, online gaming, and collaborative document editing.
When to Use WebSockets:
- Real-time Updates: If your application requires immediate updates or notifications from the server, WebSockets are the perfect choice.
- Bidirectional Communication: For scenarios that need server push capabilities or require data to be sent back and forth continuously, WebSockets offer the most efficient solution.
- Reduced Overhead: Once a WebSocket connection is established, less overhead is required for subsequent communication compared to repeated HTTP requests.
Examples:
- An example of traditional REST API, is an API to request all user profiles. It's a simple call and a static set of data is being returned.
- An example of an API that needs WebSockets is a chat application, where users are expected to receive updates immediately when new messages are posted.
In Summary:
APIs can use both HTTP and WebSockets, depending on the use case. WebSockets are not a replacement for HTTP APIs but an additional tool for real-time communication. The choice depends on the specific requirements of the application. APIs are often designed by backend software developers and the client facing apps use them to get the data.