Server-Sent Events alternative in Node.js - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a common alternative to Server-Sent Events (SSE) for real-time communication in Node.js?

WebSockets are a common alternative to SSE. They allow full-duplex communication between client and server, meaning both can send messages independently at any time.

beginner

How do WebSockets differ from Server-Sent Events in terms of communication direction?

Server-Sent Events allow only server-to-client streaming, while WebSockets support two-way communication, letting both client and server send messages anytime.

intermediate

Which Node.js library is popular for implementing WebSockets easily?

Socket.IO is a popular Node.js library that simplifies WebSocket implementation and provides fallback options for older browsers.

intermediate

What is a key advantage of using WebSockets over Server-Sent Events?

WebSockets provide bidirectional communication, which is useful for chat apps or games where both client and server need to send messages actively.

advanced

Can Server-Sent Events handle binary data like WebSockets?

No, Server-Sent Events only support text data, while WebSockets can send both text and binary data efficiently.

Which technology allows two-way communication between client and server?

A REST API

B Server-Sent Events

C HTTP Polling

D WebSockets

WebSockets enable two-way communication, unlike Server-Sent Events which only allow server-to-client streaming.

Which Node.js library helps implement WebSockets easily?

A Socket.IO

B Axios

C Express

D Mongoose

Socket.IO is designed to simplify WebSocket usage and provide fallback options.

Server-Sent Events can only send which type of data?

A Binary data

B Text data

C Images

D Audio streams

SSE supports only text data streams from server to client.

Which is NOT a feature of WebSockets?

A Full-duplex communication

B Supports binary data

C Only server-to-client messages

D Low latency messaging

WebSockets support two-way communication, not just server-to-client.

What fallback does Socket.IO provide if WebSockets are not supported?

A HTTP Polling

B FTP

C SMTP

D WebRTC

Socket.IO can fall back to HTTP Polling when WebSockets are unavailable.

Explain the main differences between Server-Sent Events and WebSockets.

Think about communication direction and data types.

Describe how you would implement a real-time chat feature in Node.js using an alternative to Server-Sent Events.

Focus on bidirectional communication and libraries.