When to connect and disconnect to socket.io

Hello! I am a student studying nodejs.

I have a nodejs server that uses socket.io

Web application is running at the front desk.(reactJS/redux)

It's because I don't have enough knowledge about Socat

First of all, one of my web application functions is chatting function using Socat

In addition, basic http communication is the main function.

First of all, I thought I didn't need to connect with socket.io unless I went into url in the chat room.

When do I usually have to connect in this case? Can I connect the moment I enter the chat room url?

Also, do you usually disconnect when you leave the chat room after the chat starts (when you go to url other than chatting)?

I heard somewhere that the process of building a socat is extreme. Mostly in situations like this

I wonder when you need to connect and disconnect separately.

I'd appreciate it if you could answer!