What is a WebSocket?
Answer out loud or in your head first, then compare.
Answer
WebSocket is a way of communicating in which the browser and server keep a connection open and both sides can send messages. The server doesn't have to wait for the browser's next question to pass on new information.
It's useful in chats, games and live collaborative apps. When one person changes an element of a shared board, the server can tell the others immediately. You still need to handle dropped connections, reconnection and permissions. A WebSocket doesn't by itself give you message history or a guarantee that after reconnecting the user gets everything they missed.
Why it matters: Named directly in the offer, and important regardless of AI.
Possible follow-ups: How do you fill in missing messages after losing the connection?
How did it go? Be honest — “Not yet” puts the question on your review list.
Further reading
- MDN: WebSocket API(opens in a new tab)Accessed 22.10.2026. The connection, two-way messages and limits of the browser API.