apiintermediate⏱ 20 min setup
Socket.io
Realtime bidirectional communication. Works everywhere.
Plain language
What is it?
A library for real-time two-way communication between your app and its users — like a live chat system or collaborative editing tool.
Why use it at a hackathon?
When users need to communicate in real-time or when the server needs to push urgent updates — Socket.io handles this reliably with fallbacks for poor connections.
Common use
Crisis communication tools, live Q&A for civic events, real-time collaborative health intake, emergency coordination apps.
Tags
realtimewebsocketsbidirectionalfallback
At a glance
Setup time: 20 minutes
Difficulty: intermediate
Skill: Intermediate. Requires Node.js server setup. More control than Pusher but more complex. Worth it for apps needing custom real-time behavior.
Impact context
Challenge domains
Crisis & Disaster ResponseEducation & AccessHealth & WellbeingCivic Tech
SDGs
Good HealthQuality EducationSustainable CitiesPeace & Justice
Related components
Building with Socket.io?
Add it to your hackathon session workspace.