Tips for managing extended HTTP requests

I am dealing with a lengthy http request that involves a lot of computation on the back-end.

Currently, everything is synchronous, which means that while the server computer is processing, the browser does not receive any output or result. Eventually, the connection times out and a timeout error is shown in the browser.

Is there a way to send some information to the browser immediately and then have it wait for the final result? How can this be achieved?

It's important to mention that the Java back-end operates synchronously. Therefore, any solution would likely involve implementing a workaround in the servlet/front end, possibly requiring javascript requests.. ?

Answer №1

If you're looking to create a real-time feed-like experience in your web application, consider implementing the COMET pattern instead of traditional AJAX. The COMET pattern involves long-lasting HTTP requests that allow the server to push updates to the client when new data is available. You can learn more about it here.

By sending out a request and having the server hold onto it until there's relevant information to send back, you can create a continuous stream of updates that mimics a live feed.

For example, your server could initially respond with "working on it" followed by status updates like "still processing 10% complete" until finally signaling completion with "done."

Technologies like node.js excel at handling this type of functionality, but even with a synchronous Java backend, you can achieve similar results by incorporating progress indicators, possibly through a database system.

Answer №2

To avoid a timeout, simply write anything to the output stream (even just spaces) and remember to call flush().

Delaying a request can be beneficial when generating a lengthy report that will be displayed to the user as it is being created.

Instead of leaving the user waiting indefinitely, consider returning a temporary page with periodic AJAX requests to check if processing is complete. A loading screen without any updates does not provide a positive user experience.

Answer №3

To effectively manage timeouts, utilizing AJAX requests is the recommended approach. If an ajax request times out, you have the option to resend it using JavaScript (such as displaying a button). This method is considered best practice for handling timeouts.

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