Transforming Operational Efficiency: Migrating from REST API to WebSocket Architecture

Photo by Christopher Robin Ebbinghaus on Unsplash

In January 2023, our development team made a big move by switching from the traditional REST API architecture to the more responsive and cost-effective WebSocket architecture. This change has had a tremendous impact, resulting in a reduction of more than 50% in operational expenses.

As of January 2023, REST API had been the backbone of our client application, but it came with certain limitations affecting operational costs. The request-response nature of REST API led to increased latency, impacting user experience and resulting in higher server loads and infrastructure costs.

Moreover, REST API’s requirement for multiple requests to obtain real-time updates led to a surge in data transfer, increasing bandwidth costs and straining server resources. The influx of users on January 7, 2023, intensified these challenges, necessitating a more efficient solution.

Recognizing the need for a responsive and cost-effective solution, our team conducted a thorough analysis 5 days later, culminating in the decision to migrate to WebSocket architecture. WebSocket’s bidirectional communication addressed the limitations of REST API, eliminating the need for multiple requests and responses, thereby reducing latency and data transfer requirements.

Benefits of WebSocket Architecture:

1. Real-time Communication: WebSocket’s bidirectional communication facilitates real-time updates, crucial for applications with dynamic user interactions.
2. Reduced Latency: WebSocket’s open connection minimizes delays, ensuring faster data transmission and an enhanced user experience.
3. Lower Bandwidth Usage: WebSocket’s continuous connection significantly reduces the need for repeated data headers, decreasing overall bandwidth usage.
4. Scalability: WebSocket’s lightweight and scalable nature allows for efficient handling of user growth, translating to reduced infrastructure costs.

The migration from REST API to WebSocket initiated on January 14, was a meticulous process involving codebase refactoring, comprehensive testing, and a gradual rollout.

1. Codebase Refactoring: Meticulous refactoring adapted the existing codebase to WebSocket, ensuring compatibility and optimizing communication protocols.
2. Comprehensive Testing: Rigorous testing, including stress testing under high user loads, validated the functionality, security, and performance of the WebSocket implementation.
3. Gradual Rollout: A phased rollout strategy allowed us to monitor system performance, addressing any issues promptly and minimizing disruptions.

daily cost

The successful migration from REST API to WebSocket has yielded substantial benefits, with a noteworthy impact on operational costs. The reduction of over 50% in operational expenses positions our platform for sustained growth and competitiveness. In February 2023, our user surge was seamlessly accommodated, highlighting the effectiveness of our decision. We can see from the graph.

1. Operational Cost Reduction: The elimination of redundant requests and data transfer optimization significantly decreased infrastructure costs.
2. Enhanced User Experience: Users now experience improved real-time communication, leading to increased engagement and satisfaction.
3. Improved Scalability: WebSocket’s scalability empowers us to handle user growth without proportionate increases in infrastructure costs.

The decision to migrate from REST API to WebSocket architecture in January 2023 has proven to be pivotal for our client. The reduction in operational costs, coupled with improved real-time communication and enhanced scalability, positions our platform as a competitive and sustainable solution. The successful transition underscores the importance of adaptability and strategic decision-making, particularly in the face of user surges, ensuring the long-term success of our software project.