CoAP
CoAP (Constrained Application Protocol) is a specialized web transfer protocol designed for use with constrained nodes and networks in the Internet of Things (IoT). It provides a lightweight, RESTful communication model similar to HTTP but optimized for low-power, low-bandwidth environments like wireless sensor networks. CoAP uses UDP as its transport layer and includes features like multicast support, low overhead, and built-in discovery mechanisms.
Developers should learn CoAP when building IoT applications that require efficient communication between resource-constrained devices, such as sensors, actuators, or embedded systems. It is particularly useful in scenarios with limited bandwidth, high packet loss, or battery-powered devices, as it minimizes energy consumption and network overhead compared to HTTP. Common use cases include smart home automation, industrial monitoring, and environmental sensing networks.