Web Development

C# WebSockets

Using WebSockets

C# WebSockets use SignalR for real-time communication.

Introduction to WebSockets

WebSockets are a protocol for full-duplex communication channels over a single TCP connection. In C#, WebSockets are often used with SignalR to enable real-time web functionality, such as live chat, notifications, and real-time updates in web applications.

Setting Up SignalR in a C# Project

To use SignalR in your C# project, you need to install the Microsoft.AspNetCore.SignalR package. This package provides the necessary libraries to implement WebSocket communication in your web application.

Creating a SignalR Hub

A SignalR Hub is a central class that allows the server to call methods on connected clients. In this example, we'll create a simple hub named ChatHub that clients can use to send and receive messages.

Configuring the Server

Next, you need to configure your ASP.NET Core application to use SignalR. This involves adding the services and configuring the middleware in the Startup.cs file.

Connecting a Client to the Hub

To connect a client to the SignalR hub, you need to establish a connection using JavaScript. The following example demonstrates how to connect to the ChatHub from a client-side script.

Sending Messages from the Client

Once the connection is established, you can send messages from the client to the hub. Here is how you can send a message using JavaScript.

Conclusion

By following the steps above, you can create a real-time web application using C# WebSockets and SignalR. This powerful combination allows for seamless, low-latency communication between the server and connected clients, making it ideal for applications that require instant updates.