Definition: A socket represents a single connection between two network applications. These two applications nominally run on different computers, but sockets can also be used for interprocess communication on a single computer. Applications can create multiple sockets for communicating with each other. Sockets are bidirectional, meaning that either side of the connection is capable of both sending and receiving data.
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Programmers often use sockets in network programming, albeit indirectly. Programming libraries like Winsock hide many of the low-level details of socket programming. Sockets have been in widespread use since the early 1980s.
Also Known As: software object
Related Resources:
Introduction to Sockets
This article explains the basics of point-to-point socket communication, addressing and ports, and programming models.Socket Programming Directory
Learn about the basics of socket programming through these useful online resources.
