CIDR
CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing) is a method for allocating IP addresses and routing Internet Protocol packets. It replaces the older classful network addressing architecture, allowing for more efficient use of IPv4 address space and reducing the size of routing tables. CIDR notation uses a slash (/) followed by a number to specify the network prefix length, such as 192.168.1.0/24.
Developers should learn CIDR when working with networking, cloud infrastructure, or security configurations, as it is fundamental for IP address management and subnet design. It is essential for tasks like setting up virtual private clouds (VPCs), configuring firewalls, and optimizing network performance in systems like AWS, Azure, or Kubernetes. Understanding CIDR helps prevent IP address exhaustion and ensures proper network segmentation.