Why are WebSockets so hard?

Implementing WebSockets for real-time notifications can be unexpectedly complex, as illustrated by a developer's experience transitioning from a REST API background to using AWS API Gateway for WebSockets. The process involves understanding unique features like the $connect and $disconnect routes, managing connections and data flow, and creating infrastructure with defined routes and permissions. While WebSockets allow seamless server-to-client data transmission, client-to-server interactions require meticulous setup. Issues such as security, which only supports authentication at the initial connection, and the challenge of using popular SDKs like SocketIO with AWS further complicate the task. An alternative approach is using Momento Topics, a service that simplifies WebSocket management by abstracting infrastructure complexities, offering robust security options, and facilitating easy integration through various SDKs, all while maintaining a straightforward pricing model.