What is a Socket?
A socket is a software endpoint used for bidirectional communication between a client and a server in a network. It allows processes running on different computers to exchange data. Sockets are fundamental building blocks for networking applications.
Types of Sockets
- Stream Sockets: Provides a continuous stream of data, ensuring data integrity.
- Datagram Sockets: Sends individual packets of data with no guarantee of delivery.
- Raw Sockets: Allows direct access to the underlying communication protocols.
Example of Socket Usage
Consider a chat application where users send messages to each other over the internet. The client and server applications establish a socket connection to facilitate real-time communication. The client creates a socket to connect to the server and exchange messages.
Case Study: Socket Programming in Python
In Python, the ‘socket’ module provides a low-level interface to network communication. Developers can create TCP or UDP sockets to transmit data over a network. Python’s socket API simplifies the process of creating and managing sockets.
Statistics on Socket Usage
According to a survey, 70% of web servers use sockets to handle incoming client requests. Sockets are also widely used in IoT devices to communicate with cloud servers and other devices.
