Can Custom HTTP Headers Be Added to WebSocket Client Connections?

Custom HTTP Headers in WebSocket Client API

The WebSocket API in web platform enables communication between clients and servers over a persistent bidirectional channel. However, when sending HTTP headers through this channel, there may be limitations.

Custom HTTP Header Addition

While custom HTTP headers can be added using a third-party HTTP header client that supports it, the WebSocket API does not provide a direct method for adding custom headers.

WebSocket Header Restrictions

The WebSocket constructor only allows the specification of the path and protocol field. The HTTP path (e.g., "GET /xyz") and protocol header ("Sec-WebSocket-Protocol") can be set during WebSocket initialization.

The "Sec-WebSocket-Protocol" header, which can be used for WebSocket-specific authentication, is derived from the second argument of the WebSocket constructor. For example:

var ws = new WebSocket("ws://example.com/path", "protocol");

Alternative Authentication/Authorization Methods

Since custom headers cannot be added, alternative methods for WebSocket authentication or authorization are recommended:

• Ticketing System: The server issues a ticket to the client, which the client passes during connection setup. The server then verifies the ticket's validity.
• URL/Query String Authentication: Pass the authentication token in the URL or query string.

Deprecation of Basic Authentication

Basic authentication was previously supported through the "Authorization" header. However, this is now deprecated, and modern browsers do not send this header even if it is specified.

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