
WebSocket Sharp is a .NET library that enables developers to create WebSocket servers and clients. It's designed for building real-time web applications.
WebSocket Sharp supports both TCP and UDP protocols, allowing for flexible communication options. It's also cross-platform, making it a great choice for developers working on multiple platforms.
To get started with WebSocket Sharp, you'll need to install the library via NuGet. This can be done using the Package Manager Console or by using the .NET CLI.
On a similar theme: Python Websocket Library
Getting Started
WebSockets are a powerful tool for real-time communication in .NET applications, and WebSocketSharp is a popular library for implementing them.
WebSockets establish a persistent connection between a client and a server, allowing for bi-directional communication.
To use WebSocketSharp, you'll need to install the NuGet package, which can be done through the Visual Studio Package Manager or the .NET CLI.
The WebSocketSharp library is designed to be easy to use and requires minimal configuration, making it a great choice for developers of all levels.
The library provides a simple API for establishing and managing WebSocket connections, including support for common WebSocket extensions.
A different take: Websocket Library
Features
WebSocket Sharp allows for real-time communication between clients and servers over the web. It supports the WebSocket protocol, enabling bidirectional communication between the client and server.
WebSocket Sharp offers a simple and efficient way to establish WebSocket connections. This is made possible through the use of the .NET Framework, which provides a robust and scalable platform for building WebSocket applications.
With WebSocket Sharp, developers can easily handle WebSocket connections and messages. This includes sending and receiving messages, as well as handling connection and disconnection events.
Recommended read: Webrtc Websocket Connections
3
Setting up WebSocket events is a crucial step in establishing a successful connection. You need to access the e.Data or e.RawData property to get the message data.
The e.Data property returns a string, making it perfect for getting text message data. On the other hand, the e.RawData property returns a byte[], which is ideal for receiving binary message data.
To notify that a ping has been received, you should set the WebSocket.EmitOnPing property to true. This way, you'll be notified whenever a ping is received.

The WebSocket connection can be closed due to various reasons. If you want to get the reason for closure, you should access the e.Code or e.Reason property. The e.Code property returns a ushort that represents the status code for the close, while the e.Reason property returns a string that represents the reason for the close.
A WebSocket.OnOpen event occurs when the WebSocket connection has been established. This event doesn't require any information from the e parameter.
The WebSocket connection can receive various types of messages, including text and binary messages. To determine the type of message, you should check the e.Type property. If the e.Type equals Opcode.TEXT, you should use the e.Data property to get the text message data. If the e.Type equals Opcode.BINARY, you should use the e.RawData property to get the binary message data.
The WebSocket connection can get an error due to various reasons. If you want to get the error message, you should access the e.Message property. The e.Message property returns a string that represents the error message.
The WebSocket connection can be closed due to various reasons. If you want to get the reason for closure, you should access the e.Code or e.Reason property. The e.Code property returns a ushort that represents the status code for the close, while the e.Reason property returns a string that represents the reason for the close.
Suggestion: Websocket Use Cases
Per-Message Compression

Per-message Compression is a feature that allows for efficient data transfer over WebSockets. It's supported by websocket-sharp, but only for the Per-message Compression extension.
To enable this feature as a WebSocket client, you need to set the WebSocket.Compression property to a compression method before calling the connect method. This sends a specific header in the handshake request to the server.
If the server supports this extension, it will return the same header with the corresponding value in the handshake response. This enables the extension on the client side.
Here's a step-by-step guide to enabling Per-message Compression:
If you want to ignore the extensions requested from a client as a WebSocket server, you can set the WebSocketBehavior.IgnoreExtensions property to true. This will prevent the server from returning the Sec-WebSocket-Extensions header in its handshake response.
Check this out: Server Side Events vs Websockets
Authentication
Authentication is a crucial aspect of WebSocket communication, ensuring that only authorized users can connect to a WebSocket server.
As a WebSocket client, you can set a pair of user name and password for HTTP authentication using the WebSocket.SetCredentials method before connecting.
If you set preAuth to true, the client will send Basic authentication credentials in the first handshake request to the server.
To set up HTTP authentication on the server side, you need to specify an HTTP authentication scheme, a realm, and a function to find user credentials before starting the WebSocket service.
If you want to provide Digest authentication, you should set up the server with the necessary settings.
See what others are reading: Websocket Client in Java
4
Connecting to a WebSocket server is a crucial step in the authentication process. You should use the WebSocket.ConnectAsync () method to connect to the server asynchronously.
This method allows for efficient and reliable connections, which is essential for a secure authentication system.
Connecting asynchronously helps prevent delays and ensures a seamless user experience.
Secure Connection
To establish a secure connection, you should create a WebSocket client instance with a wss scheme WebSocket URL.
Using a wss scheme ensures that your connection is encrypted.
If you want to set a custom validation for the server certificate, you should set the WebSocket.SslConfiguration.ServerCertificateValidationCallback property to a callback for it.
This property should be set to a callback that checks the server's certificate for validity.
If you don't set this property, the default callback will always return true, effectively disabling certificate validation.
As a WebSocket server, you should create a new instance of the WebSocketServer or HttpServer class with some settings for the secure connection.
This might include specifying a certificate file or using a self-signed certificate.
By following these steps, you can establish a secure connection with your WebSocket server and protect your data from unauthorized access.
Related reading: Websocket Create Connection
Http Authentication
Http Authentication is a crucial aspect of securing your WebSocket connections. As a WebSocket client, you should set a pair of user name and password for the HTTP authentication using the WebSocket.SetCredentials (string, string, bool) method before connecting.
Consider reading: Websocket vs Http
If you set preAuth to true, the client will send the credentials for the Basic authentication in the first handshake request to the server. This ensures that the client is authenticated from the very start.
As a WebSocket server, you should set an HTTP authentication scheme, a realm, and any function to find the user credentials before starting. This will allow the server to verify the client's credentials and grant access accordingly.
If you want to provide Digest authentication, you should set it up like this.
For your interest: Client Websocket C#
Configuration
Configuration is where you get to fine-tune your WebSocket Sharp experience.
You can configure WebSocket Sharp to work with your preferred framework, such as ASP.NET Core, by using the `WebSocketSharp.NetCore` NuGet package.
To use WebSocket Sharp with ASP.NET Core, you'll need to install the package and then add it to your project's dependencies in the `csproj` file.
Here's an interesting read: Asp.net Websocket Example
Connecting Through HTTP Proxy Server
To connect through an HTTP proxy server, you should set the proxy server URL using the WebSocket.SetProxy method.
Readers also liked: Websocket Proxy

You'll also need to provide a pair of user name and password for the proxy server authentication, if necessary, using the Basic or Digest method.
Squid is one example of a proxy server that can be used for this purpose.
To use Squid, you'll need to disable a specific option in the squid.conf file, such as the one located at /etc/squid/squid.conf.
You might enjoy: Java Websockets Proxy
Examples and Usage
Websocket Sharp is a powerful library that enables you to establish real-time communication between clients and servers.
You can use Websocket Sharp to create a simple chat application, as demonstrated in the example code that establishes a connection to a server and sends and receives messages.
For instance, the library allows you to send and receive binary data, which is useful for transferring large files or multimedia content.
To get started with Websocket Sharp, you'll need to install the library in your project and import it into your code, as shown in the installation and setup section.
Consider reading: Websocket Close Code
Examples

Here are some practical examples of how to use this information in real-life situations.
In the context of a business, understanding the concept of "Examples and Usage" can help streamline processes and improve communication among team members.
For instance, a marketing team can use this knowledge to create targeted campaigns that resonate with their audience. By understanding how to effectively communicate their message, they can increase engagement and drive results.
In a recent project, our team used this concept to develop a user manual that was clear and concise, resulting in a significant reduction in customer support requests.
The key to successful implementation lies in identifying the specific needs and goals of the project or business.
By applying this knowledge, companies can create more effective training programs and onboarding processes that lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
In our experience, this approach has led to improved employee retention and reduced turnover rates.
You might enjoy: When to Use Websockets

Understanding the nuances of "Examples and Usage" can also help individuals communicate more effectively in their personal and professional lives.
For example, a person can use this knowledge to craft a compelling resume or cover letter that highlights their skills and experience.
By mastering the art of clear and concise communication, individuals can build stronger relationships and achieve their goals.
In the world of education, this concept can help teachers develop more effective lesson plans and assessments that meet the needs of their students.
By applying this knowledge, educators can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment that fosters academic success and personal growth.
In summary, the concept of "Examples and Usage" has far-reaching implications for individuals and organizations alike.
It can be applied in a variety of contexts to improve communication, streamline processes, and achieve greater success.
Unity
Unity developers can now easily integrate WebSocket functionality into their projects thanks to websocket-sharp, which is now available on the Unity Asset Store.
For more insights, see: Unity Websocket

websocket-sharp has now been displayed on the Unity Asset Store, making it a convenient option for Unity developers.
This means that Unity developers can leverage websocket-sharp's capabilities to create real-time, bidirectional communication between clients and servers.
websocket-sharp has been showcased on the Unity Asset Store, providing a clear indication of its compatibility with Unity projects.
Specifications and Versions
websocket-sharp supports RFC 6455, which is the standard for WebSocket communication. This means you can rely on it for secure and efficient communication between servers and clients.
websocket-sharp also supports various branches, including hybi-00 and hixie-75, which are older draft specifications. These branches offer compatibility with older WebSocket protocols.
The WebSocket protocol is based on several references, including The WebSocket Protocol, The WebSocket API, and Compression Extensions for WebSocket. This ensures that websocket-sharp is built on a solid foundation of industry standards.
websocket-sharp provides a comprehensive set of features, including support for per-message compression, secure connections, and HTTP authentication. It also supports connecting through HTTP proxy servers and has a wide range of dependencies.
A different take: Websocket Protocols

Here are some key features of websocket-sharp:
- RFC 6455 support
- WebSocket Client and Server support
- Per-message Compression extension support
- Secure Connection support
- HTTP Authentication (Basic/Digest) support
- Query String, Origin header, and Cookies support
- Connecting through the HTTP Proxy server support
- .NET 3.5 or later compatibility
websocket-sharp is a robust and reliable choice for WebSocket communication, with a wide range of features and dependencies to support your development needs.
Advanced Topics
WebSockets can be used in C# to establish real-time communication between a client and a server.
In a WebSocket connection, data is sent in both directions simultaneously, allowing for efficient communication.
This is particularly useful for applications that require live updates, such as live scores or stock prices.
The WebSocket protocol uses a handshake to establish the connection, which includes a unique identifier for the connection.
Branches
Branches are a way to organize different versions of your code, and in the context of WebSocket connections, there are several branches to be aware of.
The master branch is used for production releases.
Older branches include hybi-00, which is no longer maintained, and draft75, also no longer maintained.
Here are the branches mentioned, listed out for easy reference:
- master: production releases
- hybi-00: older draft, no longer maintained
- draft75: even older draft, no longer maintained
Ignoring the Extensions
Ignoring the extensions can be a useful approach when troubleshooting WebSocket connection issues. If you set the WebSocketBehavior.IgnoreExtensions property to true, the service will not return the Sec-WebSocket-Extensions header in its handshake response.
This means you can exclude extensions as a possible cause of errors. For example, if you encounter an error in connecting the server, you can try ignoring extensions to see if it resolves the issue.
Server Configuration
Server Configuration is a crucial step in setting up your WebSocket Sharp project. You need to ensure that your server is properly configured to handle WebSocket connections.
To start, you'll need to install the WebSocket Sharp library using NuGet. This will give you access to the necessary classes and methods for working with WebSockets.
When configuring your server, you'll want to consider the protocol version. WebSocket Sharp supports both the WebSocket protocol version 13 and the HyBi protocol version 10. You can specify the protocol version when creating a new WebSocket server.
You can also customize the server's settings, such as the maximum number of connections allowed and the buffer size. This will help you optimize your server's performance and prevent resource overload.
Here's an interesting read: Sec Websocket Protocol
Logging

Logging is a crucial aspect of server configuration. You can access the logging function of the WebSocket class through the WebSocket.Log property, which returns a WebSocketSharp.Logger.
The default logging level is LogLevel.Error, but you can change it by setting the WebSocket.Log.Level property to any of the LogLevel enum values.
Logs with a level lower than LogLevel.Debug won't be outputted. You can use any of the output methods to output a log, such as the one that outputs a log with LogLevel.Debug.
The WebSocketServer and HttpServer classes have the same logging function as the WebSocket class.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is replacing WebSockets?
WebTransport is replacing WebSockets, offering secure, multiplexed, and reliable or unreliable data streams. This upgrade addresses many of the limitations of WebSockets, making it a more efficient and effective solution.
Featured Images: pexels.com


