What are web sockets primarily used for?

Web sockets are specifically designed to facilitate full-duplex communication channels, which means they allow for two-way communication between a client and server. This capability is essential for real-time data exchange, as it enables both parties to send and receive messages simultaneously without the need for constant reconnection, unlike traditional request-response models that are typical of HTTP.

In scenarios such as online gaming, live chat applications, or live updates for financial stock prices, the ability to maintain an open connection for continuous data streaming is crucial. This efficiency reduces latency and enhances the user experience significantly, making web sockets particularly powerful in applications that require immediate updates and interaction.

The other options, while valid technologies in their own rights, do not encapsulate the primary use of web sockets. For instance, establishing secure connections pertains more to protocols such as HTTPS or secure sockets layer (SSL), and storing datasets relates to cloud storage solutions, neither of which addresses the interactive and real-time capabilities inherent in web sockets.