The problem
Let's say you need fresh information.
Imagine you're following a live sports match on a website. You constantly have to refresh the page to see the latest scores. This can be frustrating and inefficient.
This issue isn't just limited to sports scores. It applies to any situation where you need up-to-date information, like stock prices, news updates, etc.
How does SSE solve this problem?
SSE solves this problem by allowing the server to push new data to the browser automatically. It's like having a personal assistant who gives you updates the moment they come in, without you having to ask repeatedly.
SSE in action
Establish Connection: When you open a website with SSE, it establishes a persistent connection to the server.
Receive Updates: Whenever there’s new information, the server sends it directly to your browser through this open connection
Visuals
Analogy
Think of SSE like a radio broadcast. You tune in (open a website), and the station (server) continuously sends you music and news (data). You receive everything live, but you can't communicate back through the radio.
Pros
Real-Time Updates: Information is updated live, without manual refreshing.
Efficient: Reduces server load compared to constant polling.
Simple to Implement: Easier to set up on the server compared to technologies like WebSockets.
Cons
Unidirectional: Only the server can send data. The client can't send data back through this channel.
Browser Support: Not all browsers fully support SSE.
Not Suitable for High-Speed Interactions: For rapid, two-way interactions (like gaming), WebSockets are better.
Conclusion
Server Sent Events.
It's an elegant solution to receive real-time updates from the server.