SOCKETS Meaning and
Definition
-
Sockets are an integral component of computer networks and communication systems. In the context of computer programming, a socket refers to an interface between an application program and the operating system that allows data exchange between different devices or processes. In simpler terms, a socket serves as a door through which data can be sent and received.
A socket acts as an endpoint for communication across a network. It can be likened to a telephone, where each end has a socket to establish a connection. In networking, a socket consists of two main components: an IP address that identifies the target device, and a port number that designates the specific application or process on that device. Together, the IP address and port number create a unique address for communication.
Sockets provide a means for applications to send and receive data over a network, whether it be on a local area network (LAN) or the internet. They allow for reliable, connection-oriented communication such as Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), or connectionless, unreliable communication such as User Datagram Protocol (UDP).
In programming, socket libraries are utilized to implement socket functionality, providing a set of functions and tools that enable developers to establish, manage, and close sockets. These libraries offer an abstraction layer that shields programmers from low-level details, allowing for easier network programming and interoperability across platforms.
Common Misspellings for SOCKETS
Etymology of SOCKETS
The word "sockets" derives from the Middle English word "soket", which originated from the Old French word "soc", meaning a plowshare or a plow's base or socket. The term was then borrowed from Old French into Middle English, where it specifically referred to the hollow receptacle or opening into which something could be inserted or fit, such as the socket of a bone or a mechanical device. The etymology can be traced back further to the Latin word "soccus", meaning a light, low-heeled slipper or a loose-fitting shoe.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
