server-sent events

Definitions

1. A simple, one-directional protocol where the server pushes updates to the browser over a persistent HTTP connection using a text-based event stream. Simpler than WebSockets for use cases that only need server-to-client communication (live feeds, notifications, progress updates). SSE handles reconnection automatically and works through HTTP proxies without special configuration.

   In plain English: A simple way for a server to push updates to a web page in real-time over a regular HTTP connection — easier than WebSockets when you only need one-way communication.

   Example: We switched the live dashboard from WebSocket polling to server-sent events and deleted 200 lines of reconnection logic — SSE handles that natively.

Related Terms

• Webhook
• WebSocket
• Webhook vs. Polling
• Phoenix LiveView