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Building Real-Time Notifications in PHP Without Heavy Frameworks

  • vartikassharmaa
  • Jun 2
  • 3 min read

Introduction:


Noida is abuzz with tech firms that require quicker and cleverer means of maintaining users' interest. Most developers in Noida would like to create real-time notifications using PHP without making use of bulky frameworks that can slow down. If you're learning a PHP Course in Noida, learning real-time notifications is one of those essential skills you need to create the latest apps that react in real time.


What Are Real-Time Notifications?


Real-time notifications keep users updated as soon as something changes on the server. They’re used in apps like live chat, gaming, or dashboards. Instead of refreshing the whole page, notifications appear instantly, improving user experience.


Techniques to Build Real-Time Notifications:


You don’t always need a big framework to achieve real-time notifications. Let’s look at some simpler ways:


AJAX Polling:


This is the easiest method. The browser sends a request to the server every few seconds asking, “Any updates yet?” The server responds with data if there’s something new. This is easy to implement but can put a lot of load on the server if many users are online.


Long Polling:


Long polling makes the server wait before replying. The browser asks for updates, and the server holds the request open until there’s new data. Then the server replies, and the browser immediately asks again. This reduces the number of requests compared to AJAX polling.


Server-Sent Events (SSE):


With SSE, the server keeps an open connection to the browser. Whenever there’s new data, the server sends it automatically.


WebSockets:


Data can flow both ways instantly. This is the most powerful way to achieve real-time notifications, but it requires extra setup in PHP. You might need libraries like Ratchet or third-party services.


Comparing the Methods:


Here’s a quick comparison of these methods to help you choose:

Method

Complexity

Server Load

Browser Support

Use Cases

AJAX Polling

Low

High

Excellent

Basic notifications

Long Polling

Medium

Medium

Excellent

Chat, live updates

Server-Sent Events (SSE)

Medium

Low

Limited

Feeds, stocks

WebSockets

High

Low

Excellent

Chat, games

Sample Code for AJAX Polling:


Server-side code:

 

<?php 

// check_notifications.php 

session_start(); 

$user_id = $_SESSION['user_id']; 

// Check the database for new notifications 

// Return JSON 

echo json_encode(['notifications' => []]); 

?> 

 

Client-side JavaScript:

 

setInterval(function(){ 

  fetch('check_notifications.php') 

    .then(response => response.json()) 

    .then(data => { 

      // Update the page with new notifications 

    }); 

}, 5000); // Poll every 5 seconds 

 

This is a simple way to get started, but make sure to manage server load carefully.


Real-Time Notifications in the Local Tech Scene:


In Delhi, the demand for modern apps is growing fast. Companies are looking for developers who can build apps that update users instantly without making them refresh the page. If you’re considering a PHP Course in Delhi, learning these real-time techniques will give you a big advantage in the job market. Local startups are keen to adopt real-time features for chat apps, customer support dashboards, and even live event tracking.


For those seeking PHP Training, understanding real-time notifications is more than a trend—it’s becoming a necessity. Whether you’re building a small app or a big system, using smart techniques like AJAX polling, long polling, or even WebSockets will make your app faster and keep users happy.


Sum Up:


Real-time notifications make apps feel interactive and engaging. You can build them without heavy frameworks using AJAX polling, long polling, SSE, or WebSockets. Each method has its strengths and weaknesses; pick the right one based on your app’s needs and your users’ devices. Server load and browser support are important considerations. Learning these methods in cities like Noida and Delhi opens up more job opportunities and makes you a more skilled developer.

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