SocketStream: A Real-Time Web Framework for Node.js

SocketStream is an open source real-time web framework for Node.js sponsored by AOL. It’s in its early stages now, and isn’t production ready but is usable. It’s built on Socket.io, Redis and JQuery and supports CoffeeScript.

Sponsor

Here’s the full feature list from the ReadMe:

• True bi-directional communication using websockets (or flashsockets)
• Crazy fast! Starts up instantly. No HTTP handshaking/headers/routing to slow down every request
• Works great with Chrome and Safari. Firefox and IE support (using flashsockets) temperamental but improving thanks to Socket.IO
• Write all code in CoffeeScript or JavaScript – your choice
• Easily share code between the client and server. Ideal for business logic and model validation
• Works great on iPads and iPhones using Mobile Safari (iOS 4.2 and above), even over 3G
• Automatic HTTP/HTTPS API. All server-side code is also accessible over a high-speed request-based API
• Effortless, scalable, pub/sub baked right in – including Private Channels. See examples below
• Integrated asset manager. Automatically packages and minifies all client-side assets
• Out-of-the-box HTTPS support with auto HTTP redirects. See HTTPS section below
• In-built User model with modular authentication. Automatically keeps track of users online (see below).
• Interactive console – just type ‘socketstream console’ and invoke any server-side or shared method from there
• ‘API Trees’ offer a simple, consistent way to namespace large code bases across the front and back end
• Uses Redis for fast session retrieval, pub/sub, list of users online, and any other data your app needs instantly
• Supports custom HTTP middleware/responders which execute first for maximum flexibility and speed
• Bundled with jQuery and jQuery templates. Works like partials in Rails.
• Easily add additional client libraries such as Underscore.js
• Uses Jade to render static HTML
• Uses Stylus for CSS
• MIT Licence

Three sample apps are provided in the Readme.

Discuss