Real-time Messaging
Advanced communication system with Tunnel Transport abstraction, WebSocket support, and Edge Runtime compatibility.
Overview
Ring Platform messaging provides seamless real-time communication between entities, opportunity applicants, and platform users with multi-transport reliability.
Transport Architecture
Tunnel Transport Abstraction
Intelligent transport selection for optimal performance:
// Automatic transport selection
const transport = new TunnelTransport({
primary: 'websocket',
fallbacks: ['sse', 'longpolling']
})
Transport Options
WebSocket (Primary)
- Real-time bidirectional communication
- Low latency message delivery
- Connection persistence across sessions
- Optimal for desktop and mobile apps
Server-Sent Events (SSE)
- Edge Runtime compatible fallback
- Unidirectional server-to-client messaging
- HTTP/2 multiplexing support
- Optimal for Vercel Edge deployments
Long-polling (Universal)
- Universal compatibility fallback
- HTTP-based communication
- Works everywhere including restricted networks
- Optimal for maximum compatibility
Features
Real-time Messaging
- Instant delivery of messages
- Typing indicators and presence
- Read receipts and message status
- File attachments and media sharing
Conversation Management
- Group conversations for team collaboration
- Direct messaging between users
- Conversation history and search
- Message threading for organized discussions
Cross-platform Support
- Web applications with full features
- Mobile apps with push notifications
- Desktop clients with native integration
- API access for custom implementations
Implementation
Basic Messaging
import { useMessaging } from '@/hooks/useMessaging'
export function ChatComponent() {
const {
conversations,
sendMessage,
markAsRead,
isTyping
} = useMessaging()
const handleSendMessage = async (conversationId: string, content: string) => {
await sendMessage(conversationId, {
content,
type: 'text'
})
}
return (
<div className="chat-interface">
{conversations.map(conversation => (
<ConversationView
key={conversation.id}
conversation={conversation}
onSendMessage={handleSendMessage}
/>
))}
</div>
)
}
Real-time Updates
import { useEffect } from 'react'
typescript
import { messagingService } from '@/services/messaging'
export function useRealTimeMessages(conversationId: string) {
useEffect(() => {
const unsubscribe = messagingService.subscribe(conversationId, {
onMessage: (message) => {
// Handle new message
console.log('New message:', message)
},
onTyping: (userId) => {
// Handle typing indicator
console.log('User typing:', userId)
},
onRead: (messageId) => {
// Handle read receipt
console.log('Message read:', messageId)
}
})
return unsubscribe
}, [conversationId])
}
Performance Optimizations
Message Caching
- Local storage for offline access
- Intelligent prefetching of conversation history
- Memory management for large conversations
Connection Management
- Automatic reconnection on network issues
- Heartbeat monitoring for connection health
- Graceful degradation across transports
Scalability Features
- Message pagination for large conversations
- Lazy loading of conversation history
- Efficient updates with minimal data transfer
Ready to implement messaging? Check our API Reference for technical details.