HTTPStreams

HTTPStreams is a software library and protocol extension that aims to improve the efficiency and flexibility of data streaming over HTTP. It enables bidirectional streaming of data between a client and a server using HTTP connections. Unlike traditional HTTP request-response cycles where a single response is sent for each request, HTTPStreams allows for multiple messages to be exchanged over a single, persistent HTTP connection. This is achieved through a mechanism that multiplexes different streams of data over a single underlying TCP connection.

The core idea behind HTTPStreams is to leverage the ubiquity of HTTP while adding capabilities for more complex communication patterns. It is designed to handle scenarios where data needs to be pushed from the server to the client in real-time, or when long-lived connections are required for continuous data exchange. This can include applications like live video streaming, real-time notifications, or collaborative editing tools.

HTTPStreams typically works by establishing an HTTP connection and then using a specific framing or framing mechanism within the HTTP payload to delineate individual messages or streams. This allows for separate logical streams of data to flow concurrently over the same physical connection. The protocol extension defines how these streams are initiated, managed, and terminated, ensuring that both the client and server can correctly interpret and process the interleaved data. While not a replacement for protocols like WebSockets, HTTPStreams offers an alternative approach for achieving real-time communication within the HTTP ecosystem, often with the goal of simplifying deployment or integration by relying on existing HTTP infrastructure.