WebSocket
A protocol that opens a persistent, two-way connection between a browser and a server, letting data flow in both directions continuously without re-connecting each time.
Full Definition
WebSocket is a full-duplex communication protocol that upgrades a standard HTTP connection into a persistent, bidirectional channel. After the initial HTTP handshake (using the Upgrade: websocket header), the connection stays open and both the client and server can send messages at any time without the overhead of establishing new connections. WebSockets are used for real-time features: live stock tickers, chat applications, collaborative editing, and live sports scores. For scrapers, sites that deliver live data via WebSockets require capturing and maintaining the WebSocket connection rather than making repeated REST calls. Proxies must support WebSocket (CONNECT tunnelling or native WebSocket proxy support).
