HLS
HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) is an adaptive bitrate streaming protocol developed by Apple that delivers video and audio content over HTTP. It works by breaking the stream into a sequence of small HTTP-based file segments, allowing the client to adaptively switch between different quality levels based on network conditions. This makes it widely used for live and on-demand streaming across various devices and platforms.
Developers should learn HLS when building video streaming applications, especially for cross-platform compatibility, as it is supported natively on iOS, macOS, and many other devices and browsers. It is ideal for scenarios requiring adaptive streaming to handle varying bandwidth, such as live broadcasts, video-on-demand services, and mobile apps, due to its reliability and widespread adoption in the industry.