IP Address
An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique numerical identifier assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. It serves two primary functions: identifying the host or network interface and providing the location of the device in the network, enabling data routing and delivery across the internet or local networks.
Developers should understand IP addresses when working with networking, web development, cybersecurity, or any distributed system, as they are fundamental for enabling communication between devices over networks. Specific use cases include configuring servers, implementing network security rules, debugging connectivity issues, and building applications that rely on network communication, such as APIs, IoT devices, or cloud services.