---
title: "ws"
description: "A WebSocket client and server library for Node.js."
pagination: false
---

{/* Generated from content/. Edit the catalog, not this page. */}

<PurposeNote title="Good for">Adding bidirectional realtime communication to a server application.</PurposeNote>

## What it does

A WebSocket client and server library for Node.js.

## When it fits

Adding bidirectional realtime communication to a server application.

## Other options in this category

<div data-pagefind-ignore>

- [AdonisJS](/server/adonisjs) — Building a backend with established conventions and integrated tooling.
- [Crawlee](/server/crawlee) — Collecting webpage data with request management and browser integration.
- [H3](/server/h3) — Writing composable request handlers across supported JavaScript runtimes.
- [Hono](/server/hono) — Implementing compact APIs with web-standard request and response objects.
- [Shovel](/server/shovel) — Writing portable request handlers for Node.js, Bun, and Cloudflare Workers.

</div>

## Source

[Project source for ws ↗](https://github.com/websockets/ws)

Editorial overview reviewed on October 24, 2026. Follow the source for current setup, compatibility, and licensing.

[Build an HTTP or realtime service →](/tasks/build-an-http-or-realtime-service)

[All servers &amp; realtime options →](/server)