Can google app engine be used as a socket server?
My webhost has rules against socket servers so I've been looking into GAE.
Does anyone know of a socket server that can successfully run on GAE? I'm using it for flash so anything like smartfox would be amazing if it's possible.
Thanks.
Answer
Google App Engine has Channel API now
The Channel API creates a persistent connection between your application and Google servers, allowing your application to send messages to JavaScript clients in real time without the use of polling. This is useful for applications designed to update users about new information immediately. Some example use-cases include collaborative applications, multi-player games, or chat rooms. In general, using the Channel API is a better choice than polling in situations where updates can't be predicted or scripted, such as when relaying information between human users or from events not generated systematically. - taken from the link below
http://code.google.com/appengine/docs/python/channel/overview.html
Update: October 27, 2016
Channels API has been deprecated and scheduled to be turned down by 31st October, 2017
https://cloud.google.com/appengine/docs/deprecations/channel
Alternative products
You can use the Firebase Realtime Database to achieve superior realtime functionality in your application. Firebase is a more robust and customizable solution than the Channels API, and it allows communication with a broader set of clients. It currently supports Android, iOS, and apps, and web browser apps.