Backend Developer
mediumwebsockets-vs-sse
WebSockets vs Server-Sent Events (SSE): when would you use each?
Answer
**WebSockets** are full-duplex (client and server can push messages). **SSE** is server → client only over HTTP.
**Use SSE for:** live updates/notifications, simpler infrastructure.
**Use WebSockets for:** chat, multiplayer, bi-directional real-time apps.
Consider load balancing, connection limits, and message ordering guarantees.
Related Topics
RealtimeNetworkingBackend