Introduction

We live in an era where connectivity is essential. The internet has transformed the way we interact, work, and entertain ourselves, making it possible for devices around the world to share information instantly. This global interaction largely depends on communication systems that operate efficiently and reliably.

The technologies underlying this communication are often invisible to the common user, but they are composed of a series of protocols and complex structures that facilitate data exchange. Among these structures, we find sockets, a fundamental tool that allows devices to communicate over a network.

Here you will learn about sockets, how they work, and why they are essential for creating network applications, from simple client-server applications to more advanced real-time communication systems.

Example to illustrate the introduction:

Think of an instant messaging application. Every time you send a message, it is transmitted through the network to another user on a different device. This process would not be possible without the implementation of sockets that enable the connection between the two devices to exchange messages in real time.

• Definition of sockets
• Importance of sockets in network communication