Implementing SignalR with .NET and Angular: A Step-by-Step Guide

As a Senior .NET Developer, I’ve witnessed the evolution of real-time functionality in web applications from a complex and resource-intensive feature to a sleek and efficient one, largely thanks to SignalR. In this post, I’ll walk you through the process of integrating SignalR with a .NET backend and an Angular frontend, and we’ll explore the benefits and scenarios where SignalR shines (and where it doesn’t).

What is SignalR?

SignalR is an open-source library that simplifies the process of adding real-time web functionalities to your applications. Real-time web functionality is the ability to have server-side code push content to connected clients instantly as it happens, rather than having the server wait for a client to request new data.

Benefits of SignalR

• Real-time communication: Instantly reflects changes server-side to all connected clients, which is perfect for chat applications, live gaming, voting systems, and more.

• Scalable: Manages thousands of simultaneous connections.

• Fallback capabilities: Automatically switches to the best possible transport method according to the client’s capabilities.

• Rich client-side library: Offers a robust API for managing connections, groups, and messaging.

When to Use SignalR

• Chat applications