Overview
Socket.io provides a high-level API for WebSockets, with automatic fallback to other techniques (like long polling) if WebSockets are not supported. It handles connection management, broadcasting, and rooms out of the box.
Key Features
- Real-time: Instant communication between client and server.
- Reliability: Automatic reconnection and fallback mechanisms.
- Binary Support: Can send any type of data, including images and video.
- Rooms and Namespaces: Easily organize connections into groups for targeted communication.
Use Cases
Socket.io is the industry standard for building chat applications, real-time dashboards, collaborative tools, and multiplayer games.