Pushteknologia

Pushteknologia, or push technology, is a communications model in which a server automatically delivers data to a client as soon as it becomes available. In this model, information is 'pushed' from the source to the recipient rather than the recipient repeatedly requesting updates. This enables near real-time delivery for alerts, messages, and other time-sensitive content.

Implementation methods include long polling, WebSocket connections, Server-Sent Events, and browser-based web push. In practice, a client subscribes to a channel or topic, maintains a persistent or semi-persistent connection, and the server sends events directly to the client. For web browsers, the Web Push Protocol allows servers to send notifications via a push service after the user grants permission.

History and development: early forms of push appeared with electronic mail, paging, and alarm systems. The web introduced push-like capabilities with technologies such as Comet and long polling in the 2000s, followed by standardized solutions like WebSocket and Server-Sent Events in the 2010s. Mobile platforms also popularized push notifications through device-specific services.

Applications include instant messaging, social networks, news and weather alerts, monitoring systems, and stock or sports updates. Companies use push to reduce polling traffic and to improve responsiveness, while users benefit from timely information and alerts.

Benefits and challenges: push reduces latency and can lower server and network overhead compared to frequent polling, but it can increase server load, complexity, and battery usage on client devices. Security and privacy are important, requiring user consent, authentication, and appropriate throttling and opt-out mechanisms.