Socket.IO is a real-time web socket library for Node.js that enables bidirectional communication between clients and servers. It simplifies the process of building real-time applications by providing features like event-based communication, automatic reconnection, and broadcasting to multiple sockets. Socket.IO supports various transports and fallback mechanisms to ensure compatibility across different browsers and network conditions.
Compared to traditional HTTP polling or long-polling techniques, Socket.IO offers a more efficient and responsive way to handle real-time data exchange. It is actively maintained with regular updates and a strong community support, making it a reliable choice for building interactive and collaborative web applications.
Tags: node.jsreal-timeweb socketcommunicationevent-based