The WebSocket protocol provides a solution for real-time, full-duplex communication between clients and servers, addressing limitations of traditional HTTP-based methods like polling and server-sent events (SSE). Unlike HTTP, which uses simplex communication, WebSockets enable persistent two-way communication over a single TCP connection, making them ideal for applications requiring instant data exchange, such as chat apps, gaming, and collaborative tools. The article details the implementation of a real-time collaborative document editing app using Node.js for the backend and React for the frontend, emphasizing the efficiency of WebSockets over other methods like HTTP polling and streaming. It also explores the differences between WebSockets and Socket.IO, highlighting the latter's additional features like automatic reconnection and fallback support, which can be particularly beneficial for developing complex applications. Additionally, the article provides insights into using WebSockets securely with WSS, discusses popular libraries like React useWebSocket for integrating WebSockets in React applications, and contrasts these with native WebSocket implementations for developers seeking more control and lightweight solutions.