How to Avoid Multiple WebSocket Connections in a React Chat App

WebSockets are crucial for real-time communication in chat applications, enabling a browser to interact with a server without the traditional request/response model. At Stream, each user connected to a channel initiates a WebSocket connection, and managing these connections is vital for cost efficiency. Developers must avoid "concurrent connections," where a single user opens multiple connections, as this can significantly increase expenses. Such connections may occur due to development bugs or when users open multiple browser tabs. To mitigate this, developers can implement solutions like checking browser tab activity with the Page Visibility API, disconnecting inactive tabs, and using optimized methods like `StreamChat.getInstance` to manage WebSocket connections effectively. These strategies help prevent unnecessary connections and manage server resources efficiently, enhancing user experience while keeping costs down.