WebSocket, standardized as RFC 6455, is a protocol designed for establishing persistent connections between a client and a server, enabling real-time interaction. Unlike traditional HTTP, where a new connection is established for every request-response pair, WebSockets utilize a single, long-lived connection that can transmit bi-directional, full-duplex messages. This protocol starts with a handshake over HTTP to establish the connection, after which the communication switches to the WebSocket protocol, significantly reducing overhead and latency. It is particularly useful in applications requiring instantaneous data updates, such as messaging platforms, online gaming, or live financial tickers.