What is Long Polling?
A technique where the client makes a request and the server holds it open until new data is available.
Why It Matters
Long polling provides near-real-time updates without the complexity of WebSockets.
Real-World Example
A chat application where the browser asks for new messages and the server waits until one arrives before responding.
“Understanding terms like Long Polling matters because it helps you have better conversations with developers and make smarter decisions about your software. You do not need to be technical. You just need to know enough to ask the right questions.”
Related Terms
Polling
Repeatedly checking for new data at regular intervals
WebSocket
A persistent connection between browser and server that allows instant two-way communication
SSE (Server-Sent Events)
A standard for pushing updates from a server to a browser over a single HTTP connection.
Real-Time
Features that update instantly without needing to refresh the page
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Related Terms
Real-Time
Features that update instantly without needing to refresh the page
WebSocket
A persistent connection between browser and server that allows instant two-way communication
Polling
Repeatedly checking for new data at regular intervals
SSE (Server-Sent Events)
A standard for pushing updates from a server to a browser over a single HTTP connection.
API
A way for different software applications to talk to each other and share data
REST API
A standard way to design APIs that uses simple web addresses and common actions like GET (read) and POST (create)