A Simple Guide to Debugging WebSocket APIs with Apidog

WebSocket is a two-way communication protocol built on TCP that enables a continuous connection between a client and a server.

In version 2.2.34 of Apidog, you can now debug WebSocket APIs!

Advantages of WebSocket

WebSocket is a bidirectional communication protocol built on TCP that enables a persistent connection between a client and server. Here are its key advantages compared to HTTP:

• Real-Time Capability: WebSocket allows for bidirectional communication, enabling the server to send messages to the client without the client having to request them. This facilitates real-time interactions, such as in chat applications and collaborative editing tools.
• Reduced Data Transfer: By maintaining a long-lived connection, WebSocket eliminates the need to send HTTP headers with each request, conserving time and bandwidth.
• Higher Efficiency: WebSocket uses binary data transmission, which is more efficient than HTTP's text-based approach. Additionally, the handshake process occurs only once, allowing subsequent data transfers to be direct and streamlined.
• Better Compatibility: WebSocket is a standardized protocol with broad support, making it easier to handle cross-origin requests compared to HTTP.

In the latest version of Apidog, you can create a WebSocket API by clicking the "+" button on the left side of the project and selecting "New WebSocket API (Beta)." From there, simply enter the WebSocket API URL to establish a connection and start sending and receiving messages seamlessly. Let's dive into the details!

4 Steps to Debugging APIs with Apidog

Step 1: Establish a Connection

To begin, set up a WebSocket connection using Apidog's intuitive interface. Enter the URL in the address bar and click the "Connect" button to initiate the handshake process.

Additionally, you can customize handshake parameters, including Params, Headers, and Cookies, to accommodate authentication needs or other complex scenarios.

Step 2: Send and Receive Messages

Once the connection is established, you can send messages from the Message tab. You can input text directly or use formats like JSON, XML, HTML, as well as binary messages encoded in Base64 or Hexadecimal.

Apidog features a new timeline view that showcases the connection status, along with sent and received messages in chronological order. Clicking on any message allows you to easily access its details.

Step 3: API Documentation

Apidog carries over its robust API documentation capabilities to WebSocket APIs. You can define the status, assign responsible team members, and add tags to the WebSocket API. Additionally, you can write detailed API instructions using Markdown format.

Furthermore, you can easily share the WebSocket API documentation with external teams, allowing them to view it directly in their browsers.

Step 4: Save the API

Once you’ve completed the debugging process, click the "Save" button to store the WebSocket API within the current project. This allows other team members to access and debug it as well.

Conclusion

Debugging WebSocket APIs with Apidog offers a quick and efficient way to test functionality and resolve issues. By following the steps outlined above, you can effortlessly establish a WebSocket connection and conduct your tests. For further assistance, feel free to explore the help center.