What is Socket Programming?
Socket programming is a fundamental concept in computer networking that allows applications to communicate over a network. It involves creating, establishing, and managing connections between different devices or processes. In simple terms, socket programming enables data transfer between two points, whether they are on the same machine or across the internet.
A socket is a communication endpoint that represents a connection between two applications. It can be thought of as a virtual channel through which data can be sent and received. The term “socket” originated from the Unix operating system and has since become a standard feature in various programming languages and platforms.
Socket programming is widely used in various applications, including web servers, client-server applications, file transfer protocols, and real-time communication systems. It allows developers to build robust and scalable network applications that can handle large volumes of data and provide efficient communication between different systems.
In this article, we will explore the basics of socket programming, including the different types of sockets, the underlying protocols, and the essential concepts involved in creating and managing socket connections. By understanding these fundamentals, developers can build more reliable and efficient network applications.
