# WebSockets WebSocket is a communication technology that creates a persistent, two-way connection between a browser (or app) and a server. Unlike regular web requests where you ask for something and wait for a response, WebSockets keep the line open, allowing both sides to send messages instantly, anytime, without waiting. This makes WebSockets ideal for anything that needs real-time updates: live chat, multiplayer games, stock tickers, collaborative editing, or notifications. It's what powers the "instant" feeling in modern apps; when you see a message appear the moment someone sends it, that's likely WebSockets at work. ## References - MDN Web Docs: https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/API/WebSockets_API - Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WebSocket ## Related - [[Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)]]