The Future of the Web: HTML 5, WebSocket, and Comet
Published July 24th, 2009 Under Architecture, Coding, Open Source Tools, Services | Leave a Comment
The HTML 5 specification is set to forever change the way in which we build applications for the Web. One innovation- WebSocket- in particular will enable full-duplex HTTP communication, and finally bring an end to the tired “click and wait” paradigm traditionally associated with the Web. Prior to the introduction of WebSockets, bi?directional browser communication has been an elusive beast. Attempts to address this gap in the Internet architecture has circled around server-initiated message deliver or “push” techniques, commonly known as Comet or ReverseAjax, and typically achieved with an astonishing assortment of browser hacks. But, the emerging standards outlined in the HTML 5 specification, developers can now take advantage of a full-duplex communications channel that operates over a single socket. More specifically, WebSockets enable browsers to open a socket connection to any TCP-based back-end service (for example, JMS, JMX, IMAP, Jabber, and so on). Therefore, it is now possible to simplify the convoluted Java EE architectures of yore and build applications that communicate with native protocols over HTTP directly from the browser to any data-service. Thus, with the help of WebSockets the browser now enjoys the first citizenry of network communications that has long been enjoyed by desktop applications. As a result, WebSockets bring the promise of finally migrating the desktop to the Web. The speaker will provide an in-depth look into the use of HTML 5 WebSocket and the techniques and technologies required to build Comet-style applications with WebSockets. Furthermore, the session will introduce the server and network architecture necessary to power Comet-style applications using WebSockets. In addition, and most importantly, to the pitfalls they may face in the process.
Interactive Websites with Comet and DWR
Published April 16th, 2009 Under Architecture, Open Source Tools | Leave a Comment
In this session filmed during QCon London 2008, Joe Walker presents Comet, a long polling AJAX method used for updating the browser’s page, and DWR, a Java library for writing web sites using AJAX.
http://www.infoq.com/presentations/Comet-DWR-Joe-Walker
DWR (Direct Web Remoting) Home Page
Silicon Valley JUG: Applying the Asynchronous Web
Published December 9th, 2008 Under Architecture, Coding, Open Source Tools, User Interface | Leave a Comment
Emerging Ajax techniques–variously called Ajax Push, Comet, Reverse Ajax, and HTTP streaming–are bringing revolutionary changes to web application interactivity, moving the web into the Participation Age. Join us for a detailed introduction to the asynchronous web, covering the underlying protocols and APIs, the challenges for application servers, and the high-level techniques available to application developers. The techniques covered will allow you to add multiuser collaboration and notification features to your application, whether developed with Dojo, DWR, or ICEfaces, and whether deployed on Jetty, Tomcat, or GlassFish.
Related article: Asynchronous Ajax for Revolutionary Web Applications