Protocol
A set of rules that define how data is formatted and transmitted between systems.
Definition
A set of rules that define how data is formatted and transmitted between systems. HTTP is a protocol for web communication. HTTPS adds encryption. TCP/IP is the foundational protocol of the internet itself.
Example
HTTP defines that a request must have a method (GET), a URL (/page), and headers. Both the client and server follow this protocol so they can understand each other.
See it in context Learn how Protocol fits into the bigger picture of how software actually works.
Read the Guide →