What is the difference between REST API and WebSocket?
sobes.tech AI
Answer from AI
REST API and WebSocket are two different methods of data exchange between a client and a server.
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REST API is an architectural style for creating web services that uses HTTP requests (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE). The client sends a request, the server responds, and then the connection is closed. This is suitable for operations where a persistent connection is not required.
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WebSocket is a protocol that establishes a persistent, bidirectional connection between the client and the server. After the connection is established, both parties can send data to each other at any time without re-establishing the connection.
Main differences:
- REST is request-response, WebSocket is a persistent connection.
- REST is suitable for standard CRUD operations, WebSocket is for real-time applications (chats, games, stock data).
Example: if you need to get data once — use REST API; if you need continuous synchronization — use WebSocket.