Description: Action Cable Channel is a class that allows the creation of WebSocket channels for real-time features in web applications using Ruby on Rails.
History: Action Cable was introduced in Ruby on Rails 5, released in June 2016. Its development was driven by the growing need for web applications that offered real-time interactivity, something that has become common in many modern applications. Before Action Cable, Rails developers relied on external solutions or additional libraries to implement WebSockets, complicating the development process. With the inclusion of Action Cable, Rails positioned itself as a more complete framework capable of handling both server logic and real-time communication in an integrated manner.
Uses: Action Cable is primarily used in web applications that require real-time communication, such as chat applications, notification systems, and online collaboration platforms. It allows developers to create more dynamic and engaging user experiences, where changes on the server are instantly reflected on the client without the need to reload the page. It can also be used for online games, real-time data updates, and any other application that benefits from instant interactivity.
Examples: A practical example of Action Cable is a real-time chat application where users can send and receive messages instantly. Every time a user sends a message, it is broadcast to all other users connected to the same channel, allowing for a fluid conversation. Another example is a real-time order tracking application, where users can see the status of their order updated instantly as it progresses through the shipping process.
