Push

What does Push mean?

“Push” in technology refers to the act of sending data, information, or updates from a server to multiple connected devices or clients without explicit user request. Unlike “pull” technology, where clients actively request data, “push” technology proactively delivers it, ensuring clients receive timely and relevant information.

“Push” is typically implemented using a publisher-subscriber model. The publisher (server) broadcasts messages to subscribers (clients), which listen for and receive these updates. This eliminates the need for constant polling or client requests, reducing network traffic and optimizing resource usage.

Applications

“Push” technology has numerous applications in various industries and domains:

• Real-time notifications: Social Media platforms, messaging apps, and news outlets use “push” to deliver instant updates and alerts directly to users’ devices, ensuring they stay informed of breaking news, important updates, or upcoming events.
• Software updates: Operating systems and application developers use “push” to distribute software updates, security patches, and Bug fixes to users’ devices. This ensures that devices remain secure and have access to the latest features without requiring manual downloads or installations.
• IoT (Internet of Things): “Push” technology is crucial in IoT applications, allowing sensors or devices to send real-time data, alerts, or commands to IoT platforms or monitoring systems. This data can be used for Remote Monitoring, control, and decision-making.
• Content distribution: Streaming services and video platforms use “push” to deliver content to users’ devices. Instead of waiting for users to request specific content, “push” technology sends it directly to their devices, optimizing streaming quality and reducing latency.
• Financial trading: “Push” technology plays a vital role in financial markets, where traders rely on real-time updates on stock prices, market news, and trade executions. By receiving these updates instantly, traders can make informed decisions and adjust their strategies accordingly.

History

The concept of “push” predates the internet, dating back to the era of early computer networks and telecommunications. In the 1970s, “push” technology was used in email systems, allowing servers to deliver incoming emails directly to users’ mailboxes.

During the early days of the World Wide Web, “push” technology gained prominence through services like PointCast and Marimba Castanet. These services pushed content to users’ desktops, delivering news, updates, and software updates automatically.

However, the complexity and bandwidth limitations of early internet connections hindered the widespread adoption of “push” technology. With the advent of broadband internet and mobile computing, “push” has become a pervasive technology, enabling a wide range of applications and services.