When it comes to Web app or mobile application development, developers cannot ignore the Real-time updating aspect. This element uses time data to provide users with useful information, supporting users during remote work and other social activities. Real-time updating helps users update news and information regularly in real-time.
1. What is real-time updating?
The real-time updates feature in the application provides continuous information about every activity taking place in the software. Source: healthepro.com
Real-time updating is the process of transmitting information between users at a speed that is almost instantaneous or with negligible delay. Real-time updating is one of the important aspects that software developers need to consider carefully.
Real-time updating is applied to many applications such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Google Docs, Twitter, taxi calling applications…
Features of Real-time updating:
– Low latency:
Low latency means the time it takes for a signal to be sent from a source to a destination is extremely short, measured in milliseconds. Real-time updates help transmit data instantly, reducing latency to the lowest possible level.
– Synchronous interaction:
Synchronous interaction means a continuous and flexible two-way exchange of information, in which the sender and receiver can send and receive data almost simultaneously.
– Push mechanism:
Real-time updates have a push mechanism, ensuring users receive information promptly without intervention. The server will proactively send data to the client when there is new updated information.
2. What are the benefits of Real-time updating?
Real-time updating brings many benefits to users and businesses that use applications containing this feature. Source: sigmacomputing.com
Real-time updating is a very important part of today’s Web app and mobile application market. Here are some of the benefits that real-time updates bring to software development:
– Improved user experience:
Real-time features allow users to update the latest information, can interact with each other instantly, creating an attractive platform to attract users to return.
– Increase user retention:
Real-time updates maintain user interest, helping them access information faster, thereby increasing user retention.
– Enhanced application performance:
Web and mobile applications often leverage both modern communication protocols and optimized data transfer strategies, contributing to better application performance.
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– Increase competitive advantage:
Implementing real-time updates helps web apps differentiate themselves from competitors with innovative and advanced features.
3. Some notes when updating the application in real time
To deploy updates, software developers need to use appropriate tools and should keep a few things in mind:
– Determine the scope of updates:
Developers need to consider the parts that need to be updated such as chat features, notifications, data updates, etc.
– Design with user experience in mind:
Real-time updates can sometimes cause loss of confidentiality if not designed properly, so developers need to ensure updates are clear and easy to understand.
– Choose the appropriate technology:
Developers can choose one of the popular technologies such as WebSockets, SSE…
– Optimize performance:
Since updates require the system to be fast and efficient, developers need to consider caching, load balancing, etc.
– System testing:
Real-time updates can cause errors, so developers need to test updates before launching.
– Use data validation:
Data validation is required to ensure the security of updates.
– Consider device compatibility:
If the app is used across multiple devices, ensure that real-time updates are compatible across those devices.
– System monitoring:
Developers need to monitor the system to ensure smooth operation, detecting problems before they become serious.
4. Some examples of Real-time updating
Real-time updates are applied in many software, allowing users to use various features. Here are some examples of Real-time updating:
– Video streaming platforms:
Platforms like Netflix, YouTube, or Twitch provide real-time video delivery. While most videos are pre-recorded, live events that take place on the platform are regulated thanks to real-time updates.
Real-time updating is applied to many platforms such as Netflix, Youtube, and Facebook. Source: bloganchoi.com
– Editing tools:
Google Docs or Microsoft Office 365 is a web application that allows multiple users to edit documents at the same time. Changes to documents are usually reflected in real time, but sometimes there will be delays due to synchronization issues.
– Map software:
Google Maps or Apple Maps provide navigation information based on traffic updates, then suggest routes in real time. This helps users get to their destination more easily and quickly.
– Social media feeds:
Twitter or Facebook feeds are updated by real-time updating.
5. Technology to build Web and mobile applications using real-time updating
There are quite a few technologies that help build Web apps and mobile applications. Here are the 4 most popular technologies used by software developers:
– WebSockets
WebSocket is considered a digital platform trend, supporting developers with real-time updates, helping users have a better experience. Source: tenten.vn
WebSocket is a communications technology that provides full-duplex connectivity. This protocol allows data transmission in both directions for instant updates and reduced latency.
WebSocket is widely used and suitable for real-time applications due to its simplicity and flexibility in handling data transmission.
The advantage of WebSocket technology is that it provides a robust two-way protocol with low latency and error rates. However, the downside is that not all browsers support this technology, some browsers that support WebSocket include Google Chrome 14, Opera 12.10 and Internet Explorer 10.
– WebRTC
WebRTC is a real-time connection technology between web browsers. WebRTC allows direct data transmission without additional installation or plugins.
WebRTC is suitable for applications that require real-time audio and video streaming.
– HTTP
HTTP is a technique that simulates a real-time connection using repeated HTTP requests and responses. To use this technology, developers need to create a code on the client that can send requests and process responses with the server.
– Real-time API
Real-time APIs allow developers to expedite updates and notifications from the server to the client. Popular real-time APIs include RESTful APIs, GraphQL APIs, and streaming APIs that use server-sent HTTPs.
Real-time APIs make Web and mobile applications compatible with many different platforms, thereby improving user experience.
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Conclude
Web and mobile application development is one of the rapidly growing fields. In particular, real-time updating plays an urgent role, directly affecting the user experience, and creating good-quality applications, so developers need to pay close attention to this aspect.
Currently, in the technology field, BAP Software is one of the reputable units providing high-quality software services to customers. If you need support and advice, please contact BAP Software immediately! We are always ready to support you anytime, anywhere.
