Beast is a header-only C++ library that provides HTTP and WebSocket protocol support built on Boost.Asio for asynchronous networking applications.
Beast solves the problem of implementing HTTP/1 and WebSocket protocols in C++ by offering low-level vocabulary types and algorithms that work within Boost.Asio's asynchronous model. Rather than imposing a specific architecture, the library provides role-agnostic components that developers can use to build clients, servers, or both, while retaining control over critical decisions like buffer management and threading strategy.
Beast suits projects where developers are already comfortable with Boost.Asio and need to add HTTP or WebSocket capabilities without adopting a heavyweight framework. It is particularly valuable for applications requiring high concurrency, such as those handling thousands of simultaneous connections. The library's design as a foundation for further abstraction makes it appropriate for teams building custom networking solutions rather than those seeking an out-of-the-box server implementation.
The project maintains active continuous integration across Linux and Windows platforms with code coverage tracking. Documentation is kept current alongside development branches. The library receives regular updates and testing across multiple compiler configurations as part of the broader Boost ecosystem.
