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Explanation

WebSocket is a communication protocol that provides full-duplex (two-way) communication between client and server over a single persistent connection.

Code:

// Example use case:
// Chat application where messages are 
sent instantly without refreshing the page

Explanation

Unlike HTTP, which follows a request-response model, WebSocket keeps the connection open so both client and server can send data anytime.

Code:

// HTTP: Client -> Request -> Server -> Response (connection closed)
// WebSocket: Client <-> 
Server (connection stays open)

Explanation

WebSockets are commonly used in real-time applications such as chat apps, live notifications, multiplayer games, stock price updates, and live dashboards.

Code:

// Example applications:
// WhatsApp Web
// Live sports score updates
// Online trading platforms

Explanation

In Spring Boot, WebSocket support can be enabled using @EnableWebSocketMessageBroker configuration.

Code:

@Configuration
@EnableWebSocketMessageBroker
public class WebSocketConfig implements 
WebSocketMessageBrokerConfigurer {
}

Explanation

A WebSocket endpoint allows clients to connect to the server using a specific URL.

Code:

@Override
public void registerStompEndpoints(
StompEndpointRegistry registry) {
  registry.addEndpoint("/chat").
withSockJS();
}

Explanation

Messages can be sent from server to client using @SendTo annotation in Spring Boot.

Code:

@MessageMapping("/send")
@SendTo("/topic/messages")
public String sendMessage(String message) {
  return message;
}

Explanation

WebSocket improves performance by reducing repeated HTTP requests and enabling instant communication.

Code:

// Ideal for real-time bidirectional 
//communication systems