WebSockets vs. HTTP/2: Which is Better?

In the second quarter of this year, Directus introduced WebSockets, a feature that enables real-time communication for projects using Directus-managed databases, thereby enhancing user experience and saving developer time on applications such as dashboards and chat tools. WebSockets, which have been around since 2011, allow for persistent, low-latency connections essential for dynamic applications by maintaining a single, bidirectional communication channel between client and server. While HTTP/2 also offers improvements in web performance through features like multiplexing and server push, WebSockets are particularly suited for full-duplex communication necessary for real-time data exchanges. The implementation of WebSockets by Directus ensures that applications remain up-to-date with the latest data, and the feature is available for both self-hosted and Directus Cloud users.