WebSocket Tester

WebSocket Tester - Test Real-Time WebSocket Connections

A powerful WebSocket tester for testing WebSocket connections in real-time. Connect to any WebSocket server, send messages, receive responses, and monitor connection status. View complete message history with timestamps. Perfect for WebSocket development, debugging, and testing real-time applications.

What is a WebSocket?

WebSocket is a protocol that provides full-duplex communication channels over a single TCP connection. Unlike HTTP, which is request-response based, WebSocket allows:

- Real-time bidirectional communication
- Persistent connection between client and server
- Lower latency than polling
- Efficient for real-time applications

Common uses:
- Chat applications
- Live feeds and notifications
- Real-time gaming
- Collaborative editing
- Live sports scores
- Stock tickers

WebSocket URLs use ws:// (insecure) or wss:// (secure with TLS) protocols.

How do I test a WebSocket?

Testing a WebSocket is simple:

1. Enter the WebSocket URL (ws:// or wss://)
2. Click 'Connect' to establish connection
3. Wait for 'Connected' status
4. Type a message in the message field
5. Click 'Send' to send the message
6. View responses in the message history
7. Click 'Disconnect' when done

Example WebSocket servers for testing:
- ws://echo.websocket.org (echoes back messages)
- wss://echo.websocket.org (secure echo)

The message history shows all sent and received messages with timestamps.

What's the difference between ws:// and wss://?

ws:// and wss:// are similar to http:// and https://:

ws:// (WebSocket):
- Unencrypted connection
- Uses port 80 by default
- Data is transmitted in plain text
- Less secure
- Good for local development

wss:// (WebSocket Secure):
- Encrypted connection using TLS/SSL
- Uses port 443 by default
- Data is encrypted
- More secure
- Required for HTTPS websites
- Recommended for production

Modern browsers require wss:// when the webpage is served over HTTPS.

Why can't I connect to some WebSocket servers?

Connection failures can occur for several reasons:

1. CORS/Security: Server doesn't allow connections from browsers
2. Authentication: Server requires authentication headers
3. SSL/TLS: Mixed content (ws:// on HTTPS page)
4. Server Down: WebSocket server is offline
5. Firewall: Network firewall blocks WebSocket
6. Invalid URL: Wrong URL format or port

Troubleshooting:
- Check URL format (ws:// or wss://)
- Use wss:// on HTTPS pages
- Verify server is running
- Check server CORS settings
- Try echo.websocket.org for testing
- Check browser console for errors

What types of data can I send?

This WebSocket tester sends text messages. WebSocket supports:

Text Messages:
- Plain text
- JSON strings
- XML strings
- Any string format

Binary Messages:
- ArrayBuffer
- Blob
- File data
(Not supported in this simple tester)

Common formats:
- JSON: {"type": "message", "text": "Hello"}
- Plain text: "Hello, World!"
- Commands: "/join room123"

Most WebSocket APIs expect JSON format for structured data communication.

Is my data safe?

Privacy and security considerations:

- All connections go directly from your browser to the WebSocket server
- No data passes through our servers
- We don't log or store any messages
- Use wss:// for encrypted connections
- Avoid sending sensitive data to untrusted servers
- Test servers may log your messages

Best practices:
- Use wss:// in production
- Don't send passwords or sensitive data to public test servers
- Verify server authenticity
- Use authentication when required
- Test with dummy data when possible

Key Features

• Connect to any WebSocket server (ws:// or wss://)
• Send text messages in real-time
• Receive messages instantly
• View complete message history
• Timestamp for each message
• Color-coded message types (sent/received/system)
• Connection status indicator
• Disconnect and reconnect easily
• Clear message history
• Copy messages to clipboard
• Dark mode support
• 100% client-side - direct browser-to-server connection
• No data logging or storage
• Mobile-friendly responsive design