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What does "protocol" mean in programming?

protocol is one of the most common terms in software development. This guide explains what it means, how it is used in practice, and why it matters, with real examples from the developer world.

Definition

A set of rules that define how data is transmitted and received between systems over a network. Common protocols include HTTP, HTTPS, WebSocket, and TCP/IP.

Example

"The API uses the HTTPS protocol to encrypt data in transit."

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