Introduction to the PubNub Data Stream API

PubNub Data Streams allows you to establish and maintain persistent socket connections to any device (mobile, browser, desktop, and server), and push data to global audiences in less than a 1/4 second. PubNub utilizes the Publish/Subscribe model for realtime data streaming and device signalling, supporting all the capabilities of WebSockets, SignalR, Socket.IO, WebRTC Data Channel and other streaming protocols.

PubNub Broadcast allows you to stream data to millions of users simultaneously, for use in apps like second screen, multiplayer games, and audience participation apps. PubNub Unicast is for one-to-one device signaling, for use in apps like call triggering, machine to machine, and location tracking.

Getting Started with the Data Stream API

Want to see it in action? Want to get started right away?

In the video below, our Founder and CTO Stephen Blum walks you through building a simple PubNub Data Streams app the the data stream API. All you need is a computer, a standard text editor, and a web browser.

Additional Data Stream API Resources

We also have a Getting Started Guide with PubNub Data Streams with our JavaScript SDK in our recently revamped documentation. From channels to API keys to API functions, you can find everything you need to know about Data Push and JavaScript there!

Need some inspiration? Here are 5 things you can build using PubNub Data Streams.