Building Real-Time Collaboration Tools with WebSockets and Node.js

Real-time collaboration tools, such as Google Docs or Slack, rely heavily on WebSockets to provide instant updates to multiple users. How can developers build similar real-time tools using WebSockets and Node.js? Discuss the challenges of handling concurrent connections, broadcasting updates to specific users, and ensuring data consistency in real-time. What are the best practices for managing server load and preventing performance bottlenecks when dealing with hundreds or thousands of simultaneous users? How can developers ensure smooth collaboration, even in environments with intermittent connectivity?