What is a viable method for real-time data exchange between two applications?

Implementing a message queue for asynchronous communication is an effective method for real-time data exchange between two applications. This approach allows messages to be sent between applications in a decoupled manner, enabling them to operate independently.

Using a message queue, one application can send a message to the queue, which can then be processed by another application at its own pace. This is particularly beneficial for scenarios where the timing of data processing may vary, as it provides reliability and can handle bursts of data without overwhelming either application. Furthermore, message queues often include features like persistence, which ensures that messages are not lost in case of downtime or failures, enhancing the overall robustness of the system.

Additionally, this method supports scalability, allowing multiple consumers to read from the queue, which can improve performance as demand increases. It also facilitates various architectural patterns such as microservices, where services can communicate reliably without being tightly integrated.

Other methods, such as using database triggers or directly accessing the databases, can lead to tight coupling and potential performance issues. Merging the applications into a single entity can simplify some aspects but may lead to complexity in development and maintenance. Therefore, using a message queue stands out as a robust, flexible alternative for real-time data exchange.