Routing Tables
A routing table is a data structure stored in a router or network device that contains information about how to forward network packets to their destinations. It maps destination IP addresses or network prefixes to the next-hop router or interface, enabling efficient data transmission across interconnected networks. Routing tables are fundamental to the operation of IP-based networks, including the Internet, by determining the best path for data packets.
Developers should learn about routing tables when working with network programming, cloud infrastructure, or distributed systems to understand how data flows between devices and optimize network performance. This is crucial for roles involving network configuration, troubleshooting, security (e.g., firewalls), or developing applications that rely on network communication, such as in microservices architectures or IoT systems.