WebSocket Programming? How to Approach Real-time socket programming?

If you are interested in knowing about web sockets you probably know REST Api’s. Which stands for Rest in peace api’s. Just kidding. Let me just dive right into the essence of it.

When you first hear about WebSockets, they seem magical — like real-time communication where a client can send a request, and the server responds in the blink of an eye. It sounds straightforward, almost too easy. You might think, “I can handle this within a single WebSocket; it’s simple!” However, when you actually sit down to write WebSocket code, things get messy.

Unlike REST APIs, where each route is a neatly defined HTTP endpoint with a clear request-response cycle, WebSockets blur these lines. All your “routes” are now embedded within the WebSocket connection. You no longer have a URL for every action; instead, you have to manage everything through this persistent connection. It can become chaotic, with your server handling a variety of message types, all coming through the same WebSocket channel.

How to Program WebSockets Effectively

Here’s a tip: focus your WebSocket on its specific use case. WebSockets thrive in real-time communication scenarios, but you don’t want to shove everything into them. For example, if you’re building a real-time chat system, limit the WebSocket’s responsibility to messaging — don’t try to manage user logins, uploads, or other unrelated operations through it.

One way to organize your WebSocket logic is by defining message types. Imagine your client sends a JSON payload with a field called "type" that specifies what kind of communication it’s initiating. The server can then respond with a similarly structured message, with the "type" field defining the nature of the response. This approach helps to keep things clear and manageable.

Here’s a basic example of what that might look like:

Client message:

{
  "type": "message",
  "content": "Hello, how are you?"
  "sender_id": "12",
  "reciever_id": "1"
}

Server response:

{
  "type": "messageResponse",
  "content": "I'm good, thanks!"
  "sender_id": "1",
  "reciever_id": "12"
}

By using a "type" field, both the client and server can easily distinguish between different types of communication, ensuring that each response is distinct and relevant to the request.

Why This Structure Is Important

WebSocket programming is inherently more flexible than REST, which can be both a blessing and a curse. Without proper structuring, your WebSocket handler can turn into an unmanageable mess of logic. Each message type acts like a mini “route” within the WebSocket, helping you organize the flow of communication without creating tangled code.

Also, keep in mind that WebSocket programming isn’t just about keeping the connection alive. It’s about orchestrating events over that connection. Think of WebSockets as channels for continuous back-and-forth dialogue between the client and server, with well-defined rules of engagement through message types.

Should you use websockets

WebSockets offer powerful real-time communication capabilities, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to handle too much through a single connection. By limiting your WebSocket to specific tasks and organizing communication through well-structured message types, you can avoid the mess and complexity that often come with WebSocket programming.