I'm setting up real-time updates in my React application using WebSockets with a Node.js server, but the client isn't receiving messages. Here's my server-side code:
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const WebSocket = require('ws');
const wss = new WebSocket.Server({ port: 8080 });
wss.on('connection', function connection(ws) {
ws.send('Hello from server!');
});
And my React client-side code:
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import React, { useEffect } from 'react';
import { w3c } from 'ws';
function App() {
useEffect(() => {
const ws = new w3c('ws://localhost:8080');
ws.onmessage = function(event) {
console.log('Received: ' + event.data);
};
}, []);
return <div>App</div>;
}
export default App;
What’s wrong with this setup, and how can I fix it to ensure the client receives messages?
The first question addresses a common full-stack challenge: implementing real-time updates using WebSockets in a React application with a Node.js backend. The scenario involves a client not receiving messages from the server, a frequent issue in WebSocket implementations. The question includes server-side and client-side code, making it concrete and actionable.
Technical Details: The server uses the ws library to set up a WebSocket server on port 8080, sending a test message upon connection. The React client uses the useEffect hook to establish the connection and listen for messages, but the issue is that no messages are received. This reflects a typical debugging scenario for full-stack developers integrating front-end and back-end real-time features.
Relevance: WebSockets are crucial for applications requiring instant updates, such as chat apps or live dashboards. The question is likely to attract answers discussing connection setup, error handling, and potential library mismatches, aligning with Stack Overflow’s focus on specific technical problems.
Validation: Searches for “React WebSockets” on Stack Overflow revealed numerous similar questions, such as Proper way of using React hooks + WebSockets, confirming this is a common issue.

