C++ WebSockets

Introduction to WebSockets in C++

WebSockets provide a full-duplex communication channel over a single, long-lived connection. In C++, the Boost.Beast library is often used for WebSocket operations, allowing developers to create real-time applications efficiently. This guide will walk you through setting up a WebSocket server and client using Boost.Beast.

Setting Up Your Development Environment

Before diving into coding, ensure you have the necessary tools installed:

• C++ Compiler: GCC, Clang, or MSVC with C++11 support or higher.
• Boost Library: Ensure Boost is installed. Boost.Asio and Boost.Beast are essential for WebSocket programming.

You can install Boost using your system's package manager or build it from source.

Creating a WebSocket Server

Let's start by creating a basic WebSocket server using Boost.Beast. This server will listen for incoming connections and echo messages back to the client.

This code establishes a WebSocket server that listens on port 8080. When a client connects, the server accepts the WebSocket handshake and enters a loop to read and echo messages.

Implementing a WebSocket Client

Now, let's create a WebSocket client in C++ using Boost.Beast. This client will connect to the server and send a message.

This client connects to the WebSocket server on localhost:8080, sends a greeting message, and prints the response from the server.

Conclusion and Next Steps

By following these steps, you can set up a basic WebSocket server and client using C++ and Boost.Beast. This foundation enables you to build more complex real-time applications. For further exploration, consider looking into handling binary data, managing multiple clients, and integrating security features like TLS.

In the next post, we will explore Authentication to secure your WebSocket connections and ensure data privacy.