Comet: Never More!
(or HTML 5 WebSockets: The Unrated Edition)
Abstract
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 was an elusive beast, 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, XMPP, and so on). Therefore, it is now possible to simplify the convoluted Java EE architectures of yore and build applications that communicated 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.
Demos and coding examples during this 2 session event will provide insight into the best-practices. Some of the topics covered in this session include HTML 5 WebSockets, Server-Sent Events (SSE), Bayeux, target client technologies, and methods of delivery.
Part 1
The Web Undone: Creating a full-duplex Web application
Be Prepared! The first part of this university session will provide an in-depth look into the use of HTML 5's WebSocket and Server-Sent Events (SSE), and the techniques and technologies required to build Comet-style applications supporting WebSockets. Attendees will also learn how WebSocket can be used to deliver information from a set of TCP-based backend services, such as Apache ActiveMQ and Jabber to a variety of clients (e.g. Java, Silverlight, and Flash) other than JavaScript.
The speakers will also discuss how to develop a client-side JavaScript implementation of a server-side protocol. A protocol that then will be used to build a simple WebSocket application that showcases various uses of bi-directional communications.
In addition to teaching the underpinnings of WebSockets, speakers will also discuss trade-offs between developing Web applications with HTML 5 WebSockets & SSE standards and current Comet techniques.
Part 2
The Web Undone: Deploying and Scaling "real-time" Web Applications
The second half of this university session will cover the server and network architecture that powers a "real-time" Web application. Specifically, attendees will be introduced to the technologies and requirements required to deliver a performant and scalable bi-directional Web application, but more importantly the pitfalls they may face in the process. The speakers will discuss such considerations as connection limitations, network flooding, client and server-side throttling, security, proxies, firewalls, and horizontal versus vertical scalability.
Speakers
