Sockets
Sockets are a software abstraction that provides an endpoint for communication between two processes over a network, enabling data exchange via protocols like TCP or UDP. They serve as the fundamental building block for network programming, allowing applications to send and receive data across different machines or within the same system. In essence, sockets act as a bidirectional communication channel that abstracts the complexities of network interfaces and protocols.
Developers should learn sockets when building networked applications that require real-time data transfer, such as chat systems, multiplayer games, or IoT device communication, as they provide low-level control over network interactions. They are essential for implementing custom protocols or when high performance and flexibility are needed beyond what higher-level libraries offer. Sockets are also crucial for understanding network fundamentals, which aids in debugging and optimizing distributed systems.