Real-time with WebSocket
Implement real-time bidirectional communication with WebSocket for live updates
WebSocket provides full-duplex communication channels over a single TCP connection, enabling real-time data transfer between client and server. Unlike HTTP's request-response pattern, WebSocket keeps the connection open, allowing the server to push updates instantly. I implement WebSocket with a custom hook pattern that handles connection lifecycle, automatic reconnection, and message serialization — making real-time features like chat, notifications, and live updates straightforward to build.
I demonstrate WebSocket concepts with a simulated implementation here. In production, you'd connect to an actual WebSocket server (using ws, Socket.io, or Pusher). The patterns shown — connection management, reconnection logic, and message handling — apply to any WebSocket implementation. For simpler use cases, consider Server-Sent Events (SSE) or polling.
How it works
lib/
└── websocket/
└── useWebSocket.ts # Custom WebSocket hook
providers/
└── WebSocketProvider.tsx # Context provider for WebSocket
components/
└── Chat/
└── ChatWindow.tsx # Chat UI componentReal-time
Instant bidirectional communication for live updates.
Auto Reconnect
Automatic reconnection with configurable retry intervals.
Persistent Connection
Maintains open connection for continuous data flow.
Key Features
- •Real-time bidirectional communication
- •Automatic reconnection on disconnect
- •Connection state management
- •Message queue for offline messages
- •Event-based message handling
Live ExampleMock
Alice
No messages yet. Start the conversation!
Bob
No messages yet. Start the conversation!
How this demo works:
- • Simulated WebSocket: This demo simulates WebSocket behavior using shared React state
- • Real-time Sync: Messages appear instantly on both sides, mimicking real-time sync
- • Connection Toggle: Use the connection button to simulate connect/disconnect states
- • Message History: All messages are preserved in the conversation history