Writing · Nº 041065 essays
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Clear filtersEngineeringServer-Sent Events vs WebSockets: Which to UseServer-sent events vs WebSockets is a question of direction. Here is when one-way SSE beats a full socket, and when you actually need bidirectional real-time.EngineeringHow to Rate-Limit Real-Time ConnectionsHTTP rate limits do not cover WebSockets. Rate-limit real-time connections at connect, per message, and per subscription, or one client can flood your whole server.EngineeringHow to Handle Reconnection in Real-Time AppsReconnection is where real-time apps quietly break. Here is how to handle WebSocket reconnection with backoff, session resume, and message replay that keeps state intact.EngineeringHow a Pub/Sub Backplane Scales WebSockets Across ServersScaling WebSockets past one server needs a pub/sub backplane so clients on different machines still get every message. Here is how the backplane pattern works.EngineeringA Collaborative Editor's Cost Is Per Document, Not Per UserA real-time collaborative editor scales by document, not by user count. Learn why the doc room is your unit of cost and capacity, and how to keep idle docs cheap.EngineeringDo You Actually Need WebSockets?Do you need WebSockets, or is real-time overkill for your app? A straight answer on when persistent connections earn their cost and when simpler options win.EngineeringWebRTC vs WebSockets: Which Real-Time Transport You NeedWebRTC vs WebSockets comes down to media and peer-to-peer versus server-mediated messaging. Learn which real-time transport fits your app and why most apps want sockets.EngineeringHigh-Volume Livestream Chat: Sample the FirehoseA high-volume livestream chat backend can't deliver every message. Learn why sampling, rate control, and room sharding beat lossless delivery when chat is a firehose.EngineeringHow to Secure WebSocket Connections in ProductionWebSocket security fails when you authorize only at connect time. Here is how to secure WebSocket connections with per-message auth, token handling, and rate limits.EngineeringLive Location Tracking: Throttle the Server, Interpolate the ClientReal-time location tracking and delivery ETAs work by throttling location updates server-side and interpolating on the client. Learn why smooth beats frequent.EngineeringHow to Handle Backpressure From Slow WebSocket ClientsA slow WebSocket client can take down your server. Handle backpressure with buffer limits, coalescing, and disconnect policies before a slow consumer melts memory.EngineeringA Real-Time Auction Backend Needs Server Timing and Anti-SnipeA real-time auction bidding backend must own the clock and validate every bid server-side. Learn why server timing, anti-snipe rules, and ordered bids are non-negotiable.