替代通知系统比Javascript setInterval与ajax

Question

I built a notification system that checks whether there are new notifications every 10 seconds using the setInverval javascript function, that sends ajax request and returns a json with the notifications.

I would like to hear alternative ways to do that, that doesn't have to be timed.

Is a while loop & a worker thread better? Since I'm working with PHP, how do I not overload the server with too many requests?

What are the security risks I am facing with my system, and with the system you'd like to suggest.

Answer 1

If you're not satisfied with your current mechanism, look into the cluster of various mechanisms collectively called "comet" and/or web sockets depending on the browser profiles you have to support (IE8 and 9 don't have web sockets, for instance). There are several libraries out there to help you with this, such as socket.io.

I don't think the security profile changes either way, but that would probably be a separate question in any case.