Duplex Channels

Bowire provides interactive bidirectional channels for duplex and client-streaming methods. A channel keeps the connection open so you can send and receive messages in real time.

How It Works

When you select a duplex or client-streaming method and click Open Channel, Bowire creates an IBowireChannel that maintains a persistent connection to the target service:

  1. The UI shows a split view: Send panel and Receive panel
  2. Type messages in the Send panel and click Send to transmit each one
  3. Received messages appear in the Receive panel in real-time
  4. A counter shows messages sent and elapsed time
  5. Click Close to end the channel from the client side

Channel Status

The channel displays live status information:

  • Sent count -- number of messages transmitted so far
  • Elapsed time -- how long the channel has been open
  • Connection state -- whether the channel is open or closed

gRPC Duplex Example

For a gRPC chat service:

service ChatService {
  rpc Chat (stream ChatMessage) returns (stream ChatMessage);
}

Open a channel, type a message, and send it. Responses from the server appear instantly in the receive panel. Both directions operate independently -- you can send while receiving.

SignalR Duplex

SignalR hub methods that accept ChannelReader<T> and return IAsyncEnumerable<T> or ChannelReader<T> are treated as duplex. The channel behavior is the same as for gRPC.

Client Streaming Channels

For client-streaming methods, the channel allows sending multiple messages before closing. The response appears after you click Close to signal completion.

Protocol Support

Protocol Duplex Client Streaming
gRPC Yes Yes
SignalR Yes Yes
SSE No (server-to-client only) No

See also: Streaming, gRPC Protocol

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