What is a socket when is it used

To be more precise, it's a way to talk to other computers using standard Unix file descriptors. A file descriptor is just an integer associated with an open file and it can be a network connection, a text file, a terminal, or something else. To a programmer, a socket looks and behaves much like a low-level file descriptor. This is because commands such as read and write work with sockets in the same way they do with files and pipes. Sockets were first introduced in 2.

The sockets feature is now available with most current UNIX system releases. How do stream sockets achieve this high level of data transmission quality? TCP makes sure your data arrives sequentially and error-free. IP deals primarily with Internet routing and is not generally responsible for data integrity. What about Datagram sockets? Why are they called connectionless? What is the deal, here, anyway? Why are they unreliable? Well, here are some facts: if you send a datagram, it may arrive.

It may arrive out of order. If it arrives, the data within the packet will be error-free. Why are they connectionless? Well, basically, it's because you don't have to maintain an open connection as you do with stream sockets. You just build a packet, slap an IP header on it with destination information, and send it out. No connection needed. They are generally used for packet-by-packet transfers of information.

Sample applications: tftp , bootp , etc. For example, the tftp protocol says that for each packet that gets sent, the recipient has to send back a packet that says, "I got it! If the sender of the original packet gets no reply in, say, five seconds, he'll re-transmit the packet until he finally gets an ACK.

Practically, you can probably skip this section. Sockets are unable to generate torque alone. Rather, they provide an interface between a torque generating tool or driver and the fastener. Examples of tools used to drive sockets are wrenches including socket, pneumatic impact, and hydraulic torque wrenches , as well as torque multipliers and breaker bars.

One advantage of sockets is that a single driver can be used for several different sizes and types of fasteners. This includes short, long, and narrow sockets that reach various workspaces. Standard sockets are designed to fit over fasteners with good access and offer strength to apply significant torque.

They are perfect for tightening or loosening nuts on very long bolts that even a deep socket is unable to reach. Spline sockets are designed to tighten and loosen spline fasteners; however, they are also ideal for use on hex and bi-hex fasteners, such as nuts and bolts.

This makes them a useful socket to use across different types of fasteners. This type of socket delivers up to twice the amount of torque on spline fasteners that would be applied to a bi-hex fasteners from a bi-hex socket.

Impact sockets are designed to work with pneumatic or cordless impact wrenches and are usually made from chrome molybdenum, which is able to cope with a continuous impact action without breaking. Typically, this type of socket has thicker walls than a standard socket and features a locking pin to ensure the it doesn't come off the end of an impact wrench. These sockets are predominantly used within the automotive and aerospace industry due to the robust nature of the product.

Torx sockets have six points within their heads which form a star-like shape. They are specially designed to fit torx screws and are available in a wide variety of sizes. Torx sockets are designed to apply the correct level of torque without slipping. Because of this, they are perfect for heavy-duty applications. Insulated sockets get their name from the insulated coating they have which protects them from an electrical current.

They can be used with a live working current for both an AC and DC electrical current. Insulated sockets must be used with their corresponding insulated ratchet. Spark plug sockets have the purpose of fitting or removing spark plugs from engines, as their name suggests. Spark plug sockets often have rubber inserts that sit in the inner part of the socket, which aids to hold the spark plug and prevent it being damaged by the socket.

They come in a variety of sizes depending on the size of the spark plug. Adjustable multi sockets feature jaws that are able to adjust to fit different sizes of fasteners. This means that many different sized fasteners can be adjusted using the same socket. These types of socket prevent the rounding of corners on fasteners, as they distribute an equal force which is applied on all sides of the fastener. Adjustable multi sockets are adjusted by turning the outer part of the socket which moves the jaws of the socket.

These jaws then clamp around the head of a fastener. Universal sockets feature lots of spring-loaded pins within the actual socket head. When the socket is placed over the head of a fastener, the spring-loaded pins that come into contact with the fastener withdraw. This leaves the remaining pins perfectly surrounding the fastener head, allowing the socket to fit a variety of different sizes and designs of fastener.