Server-Sent Events vs WebSockets

Real-time data updates are essential for modern applications. Developers default to WebSockets, but in many cases, Server-Sent Events (SSE) offer a simpler and more performant solution.

When to use SSE

If your data flows entirely from the server to the client (e.g., live sports scores, stock tickers, or ChatGPT text streaming), SSE is superior. It operates over standard HTTP/2, natively supports multiplexing, and automatically handles reconnections.

When to use WebSockets

WebSockets are necessary for highly interactive, full-duplex communication like multiplayer games or collaborative whiteboarding. See GraphQL vs REST to see how real-time fits into overall API architecture.

Conclusion

Do not overengineer. If you only need server-to-client updates, SSE provides a robust built-in browser API without the overhead of scaling WebSocket connections.