What does "socket" mean in programming?
socket 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
An endpoint for communication between two machines over a network. A socket is identified by an IP address and a port number. Web Sockets (WebSocket) are a higher-level protocol built on top of TCP sockets.
Example
"The server listens on port 8080 and accepts socket connections from clients."
Related terms
Ready to practice your English at work?
Lingua-e has interactive exercises built around real developer conversations: standups, code reviews, retrospectives, and more. Practice until it comes naturally.
Try Lingua-e for free