Push Vs Pull Technology | Definition, Difference, and Examples

Pull and Push can be referred to as a technology that builds communication between client & server, where the client requests the server and the server shares the information with clients. But many people are confused between Push and Pull technology and why it matters. If you’re also struggling with these questions, then keep reading this article.

In this article, we’ve covered everything about Push & Pull Technology, its importance and some best examples. 

Without any further delay, Let’s begin.

📌 Table of Contents

• What is push technology
• Examples of push technology
• What is pull technology
• Examples of pull technology
• Difference between pull and push technology

What is Push Technology?

Push Technology can be referred to as pushing the information from the server without the client’s request. It’s the opposite of the traditional client/server model, where clients need to request a server to push the information.

It’s used to share the pre-planned information to the client like news, weather, updates and other information that clients have not requested, but servers push the information based on the client’s activities. Push Technology is mainly used in business to share time-sensitive information, commodity pricing, new program promotion, or communicate with clients and employees. 

In simple words, this modern technology works as its name implies to push the information to the client instead of waiting for the client’s request. And this type of information is pushed to the client, but there’s a reason behind the server pushing a client to subscribe to the channel/email. Then the server automatically pushes the notifications.

Examples of Push Technology

Here are some best-fit examples to understand the Push Technology:

1. Email

Email is built on the Push Technology, where the server will push the email to the client without waiting for the request. Whenever the server gets any notification, then it immediately pushes the notification to the targeted client’s device without waiting for the request. Similarly, you’ve seen this technology in Microsoft Exchange or Outlook to send an email using push technology.

2. Mobile Apps

The server will push many stock quotes to a mobile app when the application is open. Many mobile applications are available, and whenever any user installs the application, creates an account or subscribes to something, the server pushes some pre-planned notifications to the client’s device, which is where push technology is used.

3. Messaging

The server immediately sends a message to the client’s device by pushing the notification. Communication between two devices is also considered push technology, and when a server gets any message, it automatically pushes the information to the client’s device, waiting for any requests. And the same thing happened with the other client, and that’s to build communication between two users via server.

4. Notifications

The server pushes notifications to the client’s device. Many small, medium or enterprise-level companies use this push technology to update their workers, investors or members about the production, sales or any new updates. 

5. Transportation

The safety system pushes the earthquake notifications to a high-speed train. For the safety system, push notification plays an important role. It alerts a user about something that can happen based on surrounding information.

6. Integration

Whenever any person changes their phone number, integration pushes the new information to the server to store new data in the customer database server. Many enterprise-level companies are using push technology.

These are some popular examples of Push Technology. 

What is Pull Technology?

Pull Technology can be referred to as communication between client & server. It’s a traditional way of communication between client & server. Pull Technology is mainly used to drive the content to many applications and devices; whenever a user browses, it implies a Pull technology where a client pulls information from the server. 

Pull technology can be referred to as a server sending the information to the client when the client sends a request. When a user requests particular information from the source or wants to access any web page from the server, it’s a pull technology. 

Example of Pull Technology

Pull Technology is a traditional way of communication between client & server. A client uses it to pull the information from the server.

When a user uses a web browser and requests from the server to visit any web page, then it’s a pull technology. 

or 

Email can be a good example of pull technology, but some conditions are required, like when a user requests the server for the information, then the server must have that data to share. 

Difference between Pull Technology and Push Technology

In other words, the difference between push & pull technology is that when a client initiates a request from the server, it’s called a pull, and when a server sends the information to the client within any requests, it’s called a push. 

Final Words

Push and Pull Technologies are used based on their requirements, but their demand will be higher. Both technologies play an important part worldwide and are required to control online activities. We hope this article helps you know everything about Push & Pull Technology, its Importance and the best examples to understand both technologies.

10Pie Editorial Team

10Pie Editorial Team is a team of certified technical content writers and editors with experience in the technology field combined with expert insights. Learn more about our editorial process to ensure the quality and accuracy of the content published on our website.