Member-only story
Server Sent Events in Python with Flask
Originally, communication between clients and servers for web-based applications was primarily request-driven. However, this has evolved. Webhooks and WebSockets are now common, but Server-Sent Events (SSE) are sometimes overlooked. SSE is a method where the server initiates data sending to the client, rather than the client having to request it explicitly.
Server-Sent Events (SSE) is an architecture pattern where the server pushes real-time updates to the client over a single, long-lived HTTP connection. Unlike traditional request-response models where the client has to actively request updates, SSE allows the server to continuously send data to the client as soon as it becomes available.
This is achieved through a persistent connection that keeps the client updated with the latest information without the need for repeated requests. SSE is particularly useful for applications that require live updates, such as notifications or live feeds, ensuring that the client receives information in real time with minimal overhead.
