Protocol

Key points of this
  • It’s a promise.
  • This often refers to a communication protocol.
I’ll write it simply.

What is a protocol ?

It’s about promises.

However, in many cases

An abbreviation of “communication protocol,” which means “the rules for communication.”

What is a Protocol?

  1. Basic Meaning
    • The term “protocol” generally means a set of rules or procedures that must be followed. This is similar to terms like “guidelines” or “procedures.”
  2. In IT and Networking
    • In the world of IT and networking, “protocol” commonly refers to a “communication protocol.” This is a set of rules that governs how data is transmitted and received over a network. By following these rules, different systems can communicate effectively and understand each other.
  3. Examples
    • FTP (File Transfer Protocol): A set of rules for transferring files between computers.
    • HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): The set of rules for accessing web pages.
    • SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): The protocol for sending emails.
    • TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): A protocol that ensures reliable data transmission.
    • UDP (User Datagram Protocol): A protocol focused on speed over reliability in data transmission.
    These protocols define how different systems should exchange data to ensure compatibility and functionality.
  4. Characteristics of Protocols
    • Protocol names often end with “P,” indicating “Protocol” (e.g., FTP, HTTP). This helps identify them as communication protocols.

Summary

When you see the term “protocol,” it usually refers to a set of rules or procedures. In the context of technology and networking, it specifically refers to the rules for communication between systems.