Connecting to TCP Socket from Browser with JavaScript: Is It Possible?

For establishing real-time communication between a browser and a TCP socket-based server application, you can explore two feasible methods:

1. XHR or WebSockets

Both XHR (XMLHttpRequest) and WebSockets facilitate real-time data transfer between a browser and a server. However, neither provides direct access to raw TCP sockets.

2. Chrome's Experimental TCPSocket API

Chrome provides an experimental TCPSocket API that enables developers to establish and manage raw TCP connections from browser applications. Here's an example:

chrome.experimental.socket.create('tcp', '127.0.0.1', 8080, function(socketInfo) {
  chrome.experimental.socket.connect(socketInfo.socketId, function (result) {
    chrome.experimental.socket.write(socketInfo.socketId, "Hello, world!");
  });
});

Note: This API is only available for Chrome apps and requires enabling an experimental flag in the extension manifest.

Additional Information:

• The implementation of a raw sockets API for JavaScript is still under development.
• Current browsers typically use XHR or WebSockets for real-time communication.

• For further exploration of the TCPSocket API, refer to the provided links:

  • http://www.w3.org/TR/raw-sockets/
  • https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/API/TCPSocket