HLS Streaming
HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) is an adaptive bitrate streaming protocol developed by Apple that delivers video and audio content over standard HTTP connections. It works by breaking the stream into a sequence of small HTTP-based file downloads, each containing a short segment of the overall stream, allowing for seamless playback and quality adjustments based on network conditions. It is widely used for live and on-demand streaming across various devices and platforms.
Developers should learn HLS when building video streaming applications, as it is the de facto standard for adaptive streaming on iOS, macOS, and many other platforms, ensuring broad compatibility. It is essential for delivering high-quality video experiences that adjust to varying bandwidths, making it ideal for services like live broadcasts, video-on-demand platforms, and mobile apps where network reliability can fluctuate.