Windows Socket API, also known as Winsock, is a type of application programming interface (API) used to communicate between Windows network software and network services. It’s primarily based on Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and derives its roots from the Berkeley Unix sockets interface.
Read on to learn more about how Winsock continues to add important value in our day-to-day lives.
The Basics of Winsock
Winsock allows Windows programs and applications to connect to the internet through TCP/IP.
Here are some of its most important features:
- Winsock exists as a data link layer, and is also known as winsock.dll in our computers. It’s a dynamic library extension link.
- Winsock is pre-installed in every Microsoft Windows operating system, and is available for macOS too.
- The Windows Socket API includes two interfaces. The first is an API for application developers to develop apps supporting networking. In contrast, the second API is a service provider interface used to set up new network protocols.
Winsock’s Legacy
Winsock was released back in the 1990s. Since then, it has left an unbeatable legacy in the world of networks. Given its networking and consumer demand growth, hardware and software providers needed a standard protocol to function.
Initially, Winsock received its funding from tech giants, including Microsoft, IBM, Novell, and Hewlett-Packard. Ever since, the Windows OS has become a common household name; for this reason, almost every PC is shipped with Winsock support for networking.
Winsock has played an unimaginable role in the popularity of the World Wide Web. For example, the world's first web browser—Mosaic—was built on Windows using Winsock.
A lot of other service providers have followed suit. Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Edge also utilize the concept of Winsock.
How Does Winsock Work?
Below is a quick runthrough to demonstrate how Winsock works.
- Winsock serves as a translator for basic network services, such as send () or receive () requests.
- These requests are very generic, and Winsock functions by converting them into application protocol-specific requests in order to perform the required tasks.
Broadly speaking, Winsock runs between an application program and an internet program in your computer system, which makes use of TCP/IP.
Using Winsock as a Network API
Winsock has rapidly become a standard accepted API for network layers, with several network providers agreeing to support it. Before its introduction, everyone had to develop their own interface libraries.
By making a clear distinction of tasks within the network vendor's software and the application, Winsock has introduced convenient standardization in developing these APIs and applications. Another reason for its success is that Winsock can be adapted and used with many other networks, even other than TCP/IP.
Reveling in the Success of Winsock
Due to Winsock's open-source nature, even third-party developers are introducing their own modifications and changes. This has allowed the software to remain fresh and adaptable even after a quarter of a century.
Winsock has permeated most computer systems. And given its robust nature and adaptability, you can rest assured that it is here to stay for the coming years.