Blog 3: Protocols (the Internet and Web)

 A protocol is a set of rules that govern how data is transmitted and received across a network. For example, in computer networks, protocols ensure that devices like computers can communicate with each other even with differences in hardware, software, and location. Another example is TCP/IP which was created for internet data transfer. Protocols define various parts of communication such as how data is formatted, how errors are found and fixed, and how to  develop and end connections. Communication between computers on the internet and the web is important because it allows for flawless exchange of information such as sending and receiving messages/ files. 

The Internet is an extensive global system of interconnected networks that allows devices to communicate with each other. The Internet was initially developed to allow researchers and military personnel to share information and communicate across long distances securely. It started with ARPANET (Advanced Research Project Agency Network) during the Cold War. The Web (or World Wide Web) is a collection of websites and documents that are accessible over the Internet. It is a subset of the internet. An example of the web is the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). It is a set of rules that governs how web browsers and web servers communicate with each other to load web pages.  Without standard communication protocols, devices would not be able to share data. 

In summary, protocols are important because they are the backbone of communication on the Internet and the Web. They provide the structure that makes reliable global communication possible.