diff --git a/apps/www/content/glossary/polling.mdx b/apps/www/content/glossary/polling.mdx new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1a883ad --- /dev/null +++ b/apps/www/content/glossary/polling.mdx @@ -0,0 +1,119 @@ +--- +title: "API Polling: Comprehensive Guide" +description: Unlock API Polling power. Learn essentials, key takeaways from real-world examples. Understand API Polling vs Webhooks. +h1: "API Polling: Essentials, Best Practices & Comparisons" +term: Polling +categories: [] +takeaways: + tldr: Polling is a method used in APIs to repeatedly request data from a server to check for updates. + didYouKnow: Long polling, a variation of polling, keeps the connection open until the server has new data to send, reducing the number of requests compared to traditional polling. + usageInAPIs: + tags: + - Data Retrieval + - Real-Time Updates + - Server Communication + description: Polling is used in APIs to continuously check for data updates from a server. It's a common method for real-time data retrieval in applications like live chat, news updates, or stock price tracking. However, it can be resource-intensive due to the constant server requests. + bestPractices: + - Use long polling or WebSockets for real-time updates to reduce server load. + - Set appropriate polling intervals to balance data freshness and server load. + - Handle errors and timeouts gracefully to prevent application crashes. + historicalContext: + - key: Introduced + value: Early 2000s + - key: Origin + value: Web Services (Polling) + - key: Evolution + value: Real-Time Polling + recommendedReading: + - url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opinion_poll + title: Opinion Poll - Wikipedia + - url: https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/polls-123-masque-202507221130/ + title: "Polls IETF123: masque - IETF Datatracker" + - url: https://www.realclearpolling.com/ + title: RealClearPolling - Real-Time Polling Data + definitionAndStructure: + - key: Definition + value: Repeated Data Request + - key: Structure + value: Request-Response Cycle +faq: + - question: What is polling in the context of APIs? + answer: Polling in the context of APIs refers to the process where a client repeatedly requests data from an API at regular intervals to check for any changes or updates. This is a common method used when real-time data is not required, but the client needs to stay updated with the most recent data. However, it can lead to unnecessary network traffic if the data changes infrequently. + - question: How does polling work in APIs? + answer: In API polling, the client sends a request to the server at regular intervals, asking for data. The server then responds with the requested data, regardless of whether it has changed since the last request. This process repeats at a set frequency. For example, a client might poll an API every 5 seconds to get the latest weather updates. It's important to note that excessive polling can lead to server overload and should be managed appropriately. + - question: What are the alternatives to polling in APIs? + answer: Alternatives to polling include webhooks and server-sent events (SSE). Webhooks allow the server to notify the client when there's new data, reducing unnecessary network traffic. With SSE, the server pushes updates to the client as soon as they occur. Another alternative is WebSockets, a communication protocol that provides full-duplex communication between the client and the server, allowing real-time data transfer. + - question: What are the advantages and disadvantages of polling? + answer: Advantages of polling include simplicity of implementation and control over request frequency. It's also more compatible with older systems. However, disadvantages include potential for high network traffic and server load, especially if data changes infrequently. It can also lead to delays in data updates, as the client only receives new data when it sends a request. +updatedAt: 2025-07-28T06:07:14.000Z +slug: polling +--- + +Polling is a common technique in API development where a client repeatedly sends requests to a server to retrieve data or check for updates. This method is widely used when real-time data synchronization is not critical but updates are still needed periodically. Understanding how polling works and implementing it effectively can greatly enhance the functionality and efficiency of an API. + +## Understanding Polling in API Development + +Polling in API development involves making repeated network calls to an API to check for updates or retrieve data. This is typically done at regular intervals, and the frequency of these calls can vary depending on the specific requirements of the application. Polling is particularly useful in scenarios where the API does not support pushing updates to the client automatically. + +### API Polling Example + +Here’s a simple **API polling example** in TypeScript using ESM syntax: + +```typescript +import axios from 'axios'; + +const poll = async (url: string, interval: number) => { + try { + const response = await axios.get(url); + console.log('Data:', response.data); + } catch (error) { + console.error('Error:', error); + } finally { + setTimeout(() => poll(url, interval), interval); + } +}; + +poll('https://api.example.com/data', 5000); // Polls every 5 seconds +``` + +## Mechanics of API Polling + +The basic mechanics of API polling involve three main steps: +1. The client sends a request to the server. +2. The server processes the request and sends a response back to the client. +3. The client waits for a predetermined interval and then sends another request. + +## Comparing API Polling and Webhooks + +| Feature | Polling | Webhooks | +|---------------|-----------------------------------|---------------------------------| +| Communication | Active (client initiates) | Passive (server initiates) | +| Complexity | Simple to implement | Requires more setup | +| Resource Use | Higher due to frequent requests | Lower as updates are pushed | +| Real-time | Delayed updates | Immediate updates | + +### API Polling vs Webhooks + +When deciding between **API polling vs webhooks**, consider the communication method and resource usage. Polling can lead to higher resource consumption due to frequent requests, while webhooks provide immediate updates with lower overhead. + +## Guidelines and Best Practices for Polling in APIs + +To optimize your API polling strategy, follow these **API polling best practices**: + +- **Set Appropriate Intervals**: Avoid too frequent polling to prevent rate limiting and reduce load on the server. +- **Handle Errors Gracefully**: Implement robust error handling to manage failed requests or downtime. +- **Use Conditional Requests**: Leverage HTTP headers like `If-None-Match` to make conditional requests that only return data if it has changed. +- **Monitor and Optimize**: Continuously monitor the performance and adjust the polling interval based on usage patterns and server load. + +## Real-World Use Cases of Polling + +Polling is commonly used in applications where data updates are not required to be instantaneous but still need to be relatively current. Examples include: +- Stock price monitoring apps that update financial data every few minutes. +- Social media apps that periodically check for new posts or messages. +- IoT devices that report status updates at regular intervals. + +## Future Directions in Polling and API Development + +The future of polling in API development may involve more intelligent, adaptive polling mechanisms that can adjust frequencies based on network conditions, data importance, and user preferences. Additionally, advancements in HTTP/3 and server capabilities might allow for more efficient connection handling, reducing the overhead associated with frequent polling. + +By understanding the nuances of polling in API development, developers can implement effective strategies that enhance application performance and user experience. Whether you are using polling in JavaScript or another programming language, mastering this technique is essential for building responsive and efficient APIs. \ No newline at end of file