Navigating through Node.js http/https can be a daunting task that often calls for updates. This is particularly evident in how it uses the same API fo

HTTP Fundamentals: Understanding Undici and its Working Mechanism

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2024-04-23 10:00:04

Navigating through Node.js http/https can be a daunting task that often calls for updates. This is particularly evident in how it uses the same API for both client and server functionalities while intricately tying connection pooling with the public API.

A significant hurdle arises when considering modifications to http/https without disrupting frameworks like Express, which relies on the internal workings of base classes, thereby altering the prototype.

This is where Undici, a modern HTTP client library for Node.js, steps in to address these challenges. In this article, we delve into Undici's purpose and its operational mechanisms.

Undici.request is designed to optimize application performance without compromising developer experience. It is highly configurable and harnesses the power of Node.js streams, while facilitating efficient HTTP/1.1 pipelining. By prioritizing speed and flexibility, Undici.request ensures applications run seamlessly.

Undici.fetch boasts an impressive 88% passing rate in the WPT tests, making it nearly compliant with the fetch standard. Leveraging WHATWG web streams, it enables isomorphic code usage, making it an ideal choice for cross-platform development. Moreover, by decoupling the protocol from the API and offering support for HTTP/2, Undici.fetch offers versatility and performance enhancements, including HTTP/1.1 pipelining.