Protocol
ELI5 — The Vibe Check
A protocol is just an agreed set of rules for how two parties communicate. Like how there are rules for how to write a letter (address at top, greeting, body, signature). HTTP, TCP, DNS — they're all protocols, just rule books for how computers talk to each other.
Real Talk
A network protocol is a standardized set of rules that determines how data is transmitted between devices in a network. Protocols define message format, ordering, synchronization, error detection, and correction. They're organized into layers (OSI model or TCP/IP stack).
When You'll Hear This
"What protocol does the IoT device use?" / "We need to implement the OAuth 2.0 protocol."
Related Terms
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
FTP is the old-school way to transfer files to a server. You connect with a username and password and upload or download files.
HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol)
HTTP is the language your browser uses to ask websites for stuff. You type a URL, your browser shouts 'hey, give me that page!
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
SMTP is the protocol email uses to leave your device and travel to the recipient's mail server.
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)
TCP is like sending a package with delivery confirmation.
UDP (User Datagram Protocol)
UDP is like shouting information across a room — fast but no guarantee anyone heard you. There's no handshake, no confirmation.
WebSocket
WebSocket is like upgrading a walkie-talkie from push-to-talk to a full phone call.