What is Polling?
Repeatedly checking for new data at regular intervals
Why It Matters
Polling is simpler than WebSockets and works when real-time isn't critical
Real-World Example
An email app checking for new messages every 30 seconds
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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
Backend
The behind-the-scenes part of an application that handles data, logic, and communication with databases
Cron Job
A scheduled task that runs automatically at specific times or intervals
Background Job
A task that runs behind the scenes without making users wait for it to complete
Middleware
Code that runs between receiving a request and sending a response, often handling common tasks