Implement Server-Sent Events (SSE) for Real-Time Notifications

[buddhika75]

Objective: Integrate SSE to enable real-time notifications and updates within OpenHIMS, enhancing user experience with immediate data refreshes without the need for manual page reloads.

Requirements:

SSE Servlet Implementation: Create a dedicated servlet to handle SSE connections. This servlet should stream data to clients in a standard SSE format, maintaining an open connection to push updates from the server to the client browser.

Client-Side Handling: Utilise JavaScript's EventSource API to connect to the SSE endpoint. Implement event handlers to process incoming messages and update the UI accordingly.

Integration with JSF/PrimeFaces: Ensure compatibility with existing JSF and PrimeFaces components. Use JavaScript or PrimeFaces' AJAX mechanisms to update the UI based on the data received through SSE.

Security and Performance Considerations: Implement appropriate security measures to protect the SSE endpoint. Evaluate the impact of keeping multiple connections open and optimize for scalability and performance.

Expected Outcomes:

Real-time update capability in OpenHIMS without requiring page refreshes.
Improved user experience through immediate display of notifications and data updates.
Steps for Implementation:

Develop the SSE servlet as per JavaEE standards.
Write client-side JavaScript to connect to the SSE stream and handle incoming events.
Test integration with PrimeFaces components, ensuring seamless UI updates.
Conduct security assessments and performance tuning.
Potential Challenges:

Ensuring cross-browser compatibility of the EventSource API.
Managing server resources to support multiple concurrent SSE connections.
This feature will significantly enhance OpenHIMS by providing dynamic, real-time data to users, crucial for timely decision-making and efficient management within healthcare settings.