Websockets are an advanced technology for bidirectional communication between a web browser (client) and a web server. Unlike traditional HTTP connections, which typically work in a unidirectional manner (from the client to the server), Websockets enable simultaneous communication in both directions.

Here are some key features of Websockets:

1. Bidirectional Communication: Websockets allow real-time communication between the client and server, with both parties able to send messages in both directions.

2. Low Latency: By establishing a persistent connection between the client and server, Websockets reduce latency compared to traditional HTTP requests, where a new connection has to be established for each request.

3. Efficiency: Websockets reduce overhead compared to HTTP, requiring fewer header details and relying on a single connection instead of establishing a new one for each request.

4. Support for Various Protocols: Websockets can use different protocols, including the WebSocket protocol itself, as well as Secure WebSocket (wss) for encrypted connections.

5. Event-Driven Communication: Websockets are well-suited for event-driven applications where real-time updates are required, such as in chat applications, real-time games, or live streaming.

Websockets are widely used in modern web applications to implement real-time functionalities. Using Websockets can make applications faster and more responsive, especially when dealing with dynamic or frequently changing data.