Re: [hybi] Apples and Orangutans

[Jonas Sicking <[e-mail]>]

On Sun, Apr 12, 2009 at 5:11 PM, Ian Hickson <[e-mail]> wrote:
> Current API:
>
>   socket = new WebSocket('ws://example.com/chat.dcp');
>   socket.onmessage = function (e) {
>     if (e.data != 'DCP') {
>       error('The server mysteriously stopped speaking DCP!');
>       socket.disconnect();
>     }
>     socket.onmesage = chatHandler;
>   }
>   socket.postMessage('DCP');
>
> Explicit API:
>
>   socket = new WebSocket('ws://example.com/chat', 'DCP');
>   socket.onprotocol = function (e) {
>     if (e.data != 'DCP') {
>       error('The server mysteriously stopped speaking DCP!');
>       socket.disconnect();
>     }
>   }
>   socket.onmesage = chatHandler;

I agree with Maciej here. I think having explicit metadata information
regarding which protocol is being transferred is of value. Allowing
people to do the "RightThing" while still letting them do the
"EasyThing that doesn't get in the way of the RightThing" is of even
higher value.

If the API could be something like

socket = new WebSocket('ws://example.com/chat', 'DCP');
socket.onprotocol = chat_handler;

for the people that want checking. And

socket = new WebSocket('ws://example.com/chat');
socket.onprotocol = iKnowWhoImTalkingToAndDontNeedNoStinkingChecking_handler;

for the people that are using their own home-brewed protocol. This
could use some magic value as the type (a'la
"application/octet-stream") or leave out the protocol indicator
entirely.

I don't have an opinion on if this type should be transferred to the
server which would be responsible for the checking, or if the type is
transferred to the client which would do the checking, or if its
transferred both ways for added goodness.

But the point is that the type is transferred at a specified location.
And IMHO that specified location should be separated from other fields
with other purposes. My understanding is that the path is intended to
allow for several websocket services from the same origin, thus I
would prefer if the protocol is separate from the path.

/ Jonas