Push vs Pull Architecture
Quick Reference: Consistency vs Availability | Step 7: Message Queues
Quick Reference
| Pattern | How it Works | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Push | Server sends to client | Real-time, efficient | Complex, stateful |
| Pull | Client requests from server | Simple, stateless | Polling overhead, latency |
Clear Definition
Push: Server proactively sends data to clients when available. Pull: Clients request data from server (polling). Choose based on latency requirements and complexity tolerance.
š” Key Insight: Push for real-time, pull for simplicity. Hybrid approaches combine both.
Core Concepts
Push Architecture
- Server initiates communication
- Real-time updates
- WebSockets, Server-Sent Events
- More complex, stateful
Pull Architecture
- Client initiates requests
- Polling mechanism
- HTTP polling
- Simpler, stateless
Use Cases
Push
- Real-time chat
- Live updates (stocks, sports)
- Notifications
Pull
- Traditional web apps
- APIs
- When real-time not critical
Best Practices
- Choose Based on Needs: Real-time = push, simple = pull
- Hybrid: Push for critical, pull for less critical
- Handle Failures: Reconnection for push
Quick Reference Summary
Push: Server sends data proactively. Real-time but complex.
Pull: Client requests data. Simple but has latency.
Key: Choose based on latency requirements.
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