Short Polling with code | Quick and crisp explanation

Introduction

When it comes to server-client communication, there are several approaches to consider, including polling, long polling, SSE (Server-Sent Events), and WebSockets. In this article, we will focus on short polling, a method frequently used in applications where real-time communication isn't critical, such as monitoring applications and notifications.

What is Short Polling?

Short polling is a technique in which the client repeatedly sends requests to the server at regular intervals. This means the server will receive requests and respond based on the latest data available, whether it has updates or not. The technology is well-suited for scenarios that do not require immediate updates.

Implementation of Short Polling

Client Side Code

At the client side, the implementation of short polling can be straightforward. The client sends a request to the server at set intervals and awaits a response. The general logic flow can be described as follows:

1. Send a request to the server.
2. If the server returns data, display it to the user.
3. If no new data is available, wait for a predefined period before sending the next request.

This cycle continues until you stop the polling process, ensuring that the client is regularly updated with any new information.

Server Side Code

On the server side, the implementation manages incoming requests without waiting for data to be available. Here’s how it works:

1. When a request is received, check if there is new data to send back.
2. If there is new data, send it as a response.
3. If no new data is available, send a response with no content (204 No Content status).

This method of handling requests helps avoid server overload and ensures that the client isn't kept waiting unnecessarily.

Conclusion

Short polling is a simple yet effective solution for scenarios where immediate data is not required. By periodically checking for updates, applications can maintain a reasonably fresh view of the data without requiring constant server resources. For more technical tips and insights, follow Ed Courses.

Keywords

• Short Polling
• Client-Server Communication
• Monitoring Applications
• Notifications
• Request-Response Cycle
• Server Response
• Data Management

FAQ

Q1: What is short polling?
A1: Short polling is a method where the client sends requests to the server at fixed intervals to check for updates.

Q2: When should I use short polling?
A2: Short polling is suitable for applications where real-time updates are not essential, such as monitoring dashboards or notification systems.

Q3: How does the client know when to send more requests?
A3: The client waits for a preset amount of time before sending the next request, maintaining a regular polling cycle.

Q4: What happens if there is no new data on the server during a poll?
A4: If no new data is available, the server responds with no content, allowing the client to continue polling for updates later.

Q5: What are the advantages of short polling?
A5: Short polling is easy to implement and doesn’t require complex server-side handling, making it suitable for simpler use cases.