Developing Real-Time Web Applications: Practices and Tools

There has been a massive rise in online users. Most users today usually do not want to refresh the existing page. They want to get updates and notifications instantly. That’s why brands and businesses today focus on developing real-time web applications. These apps have become very popular. 

Now, what happens with these apps? These apps help the client and the servers to communicate with each other. These apps could be a messenger, a tracking application or something like that. Here are some of the most popular practices and tools that you need to know. 

 

Real-time Web Applications: Top Practices 

1. Get a Definite Use Case

Before you start with development, make sure to determine the use case. Assessing use cases helps to understand the right technology. If it's a messaging app, it will need updates every millisecond. Similarly, a live streaming sports app will need an update every few seconds. 

2. Set a Communication Protocol

In the case of real-time applications, it's preferred to use WebSockets. The benefit of WebSocket is that it helps in creating a connection across the server and client for fast exchange of data. This data exchange happens on a real-time basis. 

3. Switch to Scalability 

You have to expect that your user base will soar rapidly. But you also need to keep in mind that the backend has to smoothly match the rise in demand of users. Or else, the load will lead to system crash, delays and frustration. Hence, the app should scale up with the growth in user base. 

4. Prioritize Security

Real-time custom apps need fast and rapid exchange of data. This can lead to potential security issues. Make sure to protect your app with these: 

• On-time security updates

• Authorization checks

• SSL encryption

Security is necessary for building a custom web application right from the beginning. 

5. Choose Event-Driven Architecture

In these apps, usually every action is correlated. This means it is essential to have an event-driven architecture. With event-driven architecture, it can help in a smooth and efficient relay between actions. 

In real-time apps, one action may trigger another action immediately. Event-driven architecture facilitates this efficiently. 

6. Performance Monitoring 

If you are building real-time apps, you need to monitor them. This consistent monitoring will help in detecting issues faster. You can also use monitoring tools for on-time monitoring. This will help improve the overall app security. 

Tools for Web Application Development in Real-Time Projects

To successfully create a real-time web app, you need more than best practices. You will also need the correct choice of tools. These are some of the best tools you need for real-time apps: 

1. GraphQL Subscriptions

2. Socket.IO

With Socket.IO it becomes easier to manage fallback mechanisms, events and also compatibility between multiple browsers. 

3. Pusher

This is a top tool for real-time app communication and notification. If the app needs communication on a real-time basis, go for Pusher. It will help you reduce the burden on the backend. 

4. Apache Kafka

Kafka is a great option for apps that focus on real-time streaming of any event. For example, sports streaming apps. Kafka is the best option for apps that need to process vast data.  you are looking to develop a dashboard or say a monitoring app, Kafka is a great tool of choice. 

 

Final Thoughts

Building any real-time application is about security and user experience. It is also about offering a scalable solution for businesses. Follow these top practices and these tools for a smooth development experience.  

Developing and maintaining a real-time app can be a bit tricky. But not very complicated, actually. 

Connect with Digital Aptech for the top-notch real-time web apps. Help your brand go ahead with real-time web apps.