What is UDP? A Comprehensive Guide to User Datagram Protocol
UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is a transport layer protocol that facilitates fast data transmission over networks. Unlike TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), UDP does not establish a connection before sending data, making it more efficient for applications that require low latency.
Key Features of UDP:
Connectionless: No handshake process, reducing latency.
Low Overhead: Lighter than TCP, ensuring faster data transfer.
No Error Correction: Packets may be lost or arrive out of order.
Ideal for Real-Time Applications: Used in VoIP, online gaming, video streaming, and DNS lookups.
How UDP Works?
UDP sends data in small packets called datagrams without checking for errors or retransmissions. This allows real-time communication but at the cost of reliability.
UDP vs. TCP: When to Use UDP?
Use UDP for gaming, live streaming, DNS queries, and VoIP calls.
Use TCP for email, web browsing, and file transfers where reliability matters.
By leveraging UDP, businesses and developers can optimize performance for real-time applications, ensuring seamless user experiences.