Socket.io allows developers to create real-time applications that can send and receive data instantly. It is widely used for chat applications, live notifications, and collaborative platforms.
Key features
- Real-time bi-directional communication
- Built-in support for broadcasting to multiple clients
- Automatic reconnections and disconnection detection
- Room and namespace support for organizing events
- Lightweight and easy to integrate with existing applications
Pros
- Free to use with a strong community support
- Cross-platform compatibility with web and mobile
- Easy to implement and scale as needed
- Robust documentation and numerous examples available
Cons
- Limited built-in features for complex use cases
- Potential performance issues with large-scale deployments
- Requires understanding of WebSocket for optimal use