Tried the Experimental Built-In WebSocket Client yet ?

Node.js 21 has launched an exciting experimental feature: a built-in WebSocket client designed to streamline real-time web communications. This innovative addition eliminates the need for third-party libraries by supporting fundamental WebSocket functionalities, including the initiation and termination of connections, data transmission, and event handling for open, close, message, and error scenarios. Developers eager to explore this feature can activate it using the --experimental-websocket flag, marking a significant step towards simplifying development workflows by embedding WebSocket capabilities directly within Node.js. For a deeper dive, consider reading the detailed exposition on RisingStack Engineering.

To effectively use the new built-in WebSocket client in Node.js 21, follow these revised steps:

1. Check Your Node.js Version: Execute the below command in your terminal to confirm your current version.

node -v

2. Upgrade to Node.js 21: If you're not on version 21, update by downloading from the Node.js website or run the below command with a version manager like nvm.

nvm install 21

3. Start Your Node.js Application with the WebSocket Flag: Use the command

node --experimental-websocket app.js

to enable the WebSocket client feature.

4. Implement the WebSocket Client in Your Code:

const { WebSocket } = require('ws');

const ws = new WebSocket('ws://enpods.com/');

ws.on('open', () => {
ws.send('Love the Life');
});

ws.on('message', (data) => {
console.log(`Quote Message: ${data}`);
});

This code establishes a WebSocket connection, allowing for the sending and receiving of messages. Follow these steps to integrate WebSocket functionality into your Node.js applications with Node.js 21.

Node.js 21 includes several major features beyond the built-in WebSocket client. Some of these features are:

• Stable Fetch API and WebStreams:
  These APIs are now stable, offering improved web standards compatibility for HTTP requests and streaming capabilities.
• V8 Engine Upgrade to Version 11.8:
  This brings new JavaScript features and performance improvements.
• Experimental Default Type Flag (--experimental-default-type):
  This flag allows setting the default module system (CommonJS or ESM) for a project.
• Performance Enhancements:
  Significant optimizations across URL, fetch, streams, and HTTP modules.
• Global Navigator Object:
  Introduced to enhance web interoperability by providing access to hardware concurrency information.
• Deprecations and Removals:
  Certain APIs and features have been deprecated or removed to streamline the platform. For a comprehensive overview and detailed explanations of each feature, refer to the official Node.js release notes or relevant technical documentation.