What is the difference between WebSocket and Socket.io?

WebSocket is a protocol for two-way communication between a client and a server over a single TCP connection. It provides a persistent connection and real-time message transfer.

Socket.io is a JavaScript library that uses WebSocket but adds additional features:

• Automatic fallback to other transport protocols (e.g., long polling) if WebSocket is unavailable.
• Convenient API for event-driven communication.
• Management of rooms and namespaces.
• Handling reconnections and other conveniences.

Thus, WebSocket is a low-level protocol, and Socket.io is a high-level library that simplifies working with real-time data and ensures cross-browser compatibility and additional features.