TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is a standard communication protocol used to establish and maintain a connection between devices over the internet. It is one of the most commonly used protocols in computer networks, and it ensures reliable data transmission between applications.
TCP operates by dividing data into packets and sending them across a network. It establishes a connection between two devices before transmitting data, ensuring that all packets are received in order without errors. TCP also handles congestion control and flow control, preventing network overload and ensuring that data is transmitted at an appropriate rate.
TCP is used for various applications such as web browsing, email transfer, file sharing, remote desktop access, and more. It works alongside another protocol called IP (Internet Protocol), forming the TCP/IP suite that powers the internet.