# W ## WebSocket WebSocket is a communication protocol that enables real-time two-way data transfer between a client and a server. Unlike HTTP, which is a request/response protocol, WebSocket is a persistent connection that allows bi-directional data exchange in real-time without the need for the client to initiate a new request for each exchange.WebSocket is particularly useful for applications that require real-time updates and low latency, such as online gaming, real-time financial data, and chat applications. It allows for efficient and fast communication between a client and a server, reducing latency and providing a better user experience.WebSocket uses a handshake process to establish a connection between the client and server. Once the connection is established, the server can push data to the client at any time, and the client can send data back to the server without the need for a new request/response cycle. WebSocket uses a binary or text-based data format for data transfer, depending on the application requirements. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.console.zenlayer.com/welcome/glossary/u-z/w.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.