agent.createConnection() Method in Node.js

Introduction to agent.createConnection()

In Node.js, the agent.createConnection() method is a part of the http module, introduced in version v0.11.4. It is used to create a socket or stream that can be utilized for HTTP requests. By default, this method behaves similarly to net.createConnection(), returning an instance of net.Socket, which is a subclass of stream.Duplex.

Syntax

agent.createConnection(options[, callback])

Parameters:

• options <Object>: An object containing connection details.
• callback <Function> (optional): A function that receives the created socket.

Creating a Basic Connection

Here's how you can create a basic connection using agent.createConnection():

const http = require('http');

// Creating a new agent
const agent = new http.Agent({});

// Creating a connection
const createConnection = agent.createConnection;
console.log('Connection successfully created...');
console.log('Connection:', createConnection);

Using agent.createConnection() with Custom Options

You can customize the agent by providing options such as keepAlive and maxSockets:

const http = require('http');

// Creating a new agent with custom options
const aliveAgent = new http.Agent({
  keepAlive: true,
  maxSockets: 5
});

// Creating a connection
const createConnection = aliveAgent.createConnection;
console.log('Connection successfully created...');
console.log('Connection:', createConnection);

Conclusion

The agent.createConnection() method provides flexibility in managing how sockets are created for HTTP requests in Node.js. By customizing the agent, developers can optimize connection reuse and control socket behavior to suit their application's needs.