Multiplayer & Networking Mastery

WebSockets provide a persistent, bidirectional communication channel between client and server over a single TCP connection. Unlike HTTP which is request-response, WebSocket enables real-time data flow. Key Advantages: • Low latency communication • Full-duplex (simultaneous two-way) communication • Persistent connection reduces overhead • Perfect for real-time multiplayer games WebSocket Connection Lifecycle: 1. Client initiates WebSocket upgrade request via HTTP 2. Server accepts and upgrades to WebSocket protocol 3. Persistent connection established 4. Either side can send data at any time 5. Connection closes when client or server initiates closure

// Server setup with Node.js and ws library
const WebSocket = require('ws');
const http = require('http');

const server = http.createServer();
const wss = new WebSocket.Server({ server });

wss.on('connection', (ws) => {
  console.log('Client connected');
  
  ws.on('message', (message) => {
    console.log('Received:', message);
    
    // Broadcast to all connected clients
    wss.clients.forEach((client) => {
      if (client.readyState === WebSocket.OPEN) {
        client.send(message);
      }
    });
  });
});

server.listen(8080);