Imagine you're at a fancy restaurant with your friend, and you're both in the mood for some delicious food.

Traditional HTTP API: You (the client) are seated at your table, and you decide to order a dish by calling the waiter (the API). The waiter takes your order (the request) and heads to the kitchen. You wait patiently, wondering when your food will arrive. After some time, the waiter returns with your dish (the response). You enjoy your meal, but if you want something else, you have to call the waiter again and repeat the process. It's like a game of culinary ping-pong, where you keep sending requests and waiting for responses.

Real-Time WebSocket: Now, imagine the same scenario, but with a twist. As soon as you're seated, a dedicated waiter (the WebSocket connection) is assigned to your table. This waiter constantly stands by, ready to take your orders and bring you whatever you need. You can keep ordering dishes, drinks, or even have a casual conversation with your friend, all without the waiter ever leaving your side. The waiter is like your personal culinary concierge, always there to fulfill your requests in real-time. It's as if you have a direct hotline to the kitchen, and your orders are delivered instantly, without the need for repeated requests.

In this analogy, the traditional HTTP API is like the standard restaurant experience, where you have to keep calling the waiter and waiting for each request to be fulfilled. On the other hand, the real-time WebSocket is like having a dedicated waiter at your table, providing a continuous and interactive dining experience.

So, if you want a more interactive and real-time experience, the WebSocket is your go-to choice. But if you don't mind a bit of back-and-forth and can handle a few moments of anticipation, the traditional HTTP API will still satisfy your cravings, one request at a time.