WebSocket Server Updates: Architecture & Stability Improvements
What developments have taken place today?
Today’s commits focused on refining the core architecture and operational aspects of the WebSocket server application. Key improvements include restructuring command handling, significantly enhancing connection management capabilities, and introducing mechanisms for maintaining active connections. The codebase now incorporates a more organized approach to message processing through dedicated structs representing different WebSocket commands and responses. This promotes clarity and maintainability.
The introduction of the UserConnection struct represents a substantial upgrade to connection management. It encapsulates vital information about each user’s connection, including their associated user account, channel subscriptions (supporting multiple connections per user), and a synchronization mechanism for concurrent access. A keep-alive system has also been implemented to proactively prevent WebSocket disconnections due to inactivity. Furthermore, the server now includes a robust method for adding and removing users from channels, catering to dynamic subscriber management needs. New logging capabilities have been added to track message delivery and user activity, aiding in debugging and monitoring.
Significant changes were made to the API handler section of the application. The ApiHandler struct was updated to include a new field for handling messages, alongside modifications to the constructor function to instantiate this new field. The ApiHandlerChannel structure now incorporates interfaces for accessing channel and user channel repositories, improving modularity and testability. The addition of the SendMessage method streamlines message sending processes by handling channel creation and security checks. A DefaultError component was added to OpenAPI definitions for improved error handling.
Finally, the deployment environment has been updated through modifications to the Dockerfile and docker-compose.yml files. These updates ensure a more stable MySQL database container setup within the application’s containerized ecosystem, including necessary system packages, volume mounts, and network configuration.
Overall, these changes are important because they establish a more robust, scalable, and maintainable foundation for the WebSocket server, enabling better user experience management, efficient message delivery, and improved operational stability.
websocket server architecture connection management deployment