UDP, or User Datagram Protocol, is a lightweight communication protocol that sends packets without guaranteeing delivery or order. It prioritizes speed and low latency over reliability. UDP is used for applications where occasional packet loss is acceptable, such as streaming, gaming, and real time communication. Because UDP omits connection setup and retransmission, it has lower overhead than TCP. Developers choose UDP when responsiveness matters more than perfect accuracy.
How it Works
UDP sends discrete packets called datagrams from a source port to a destination port. It does not perform handshakes, sequencing, or acknowledgments. Applications must handle packet loss or duplication themselves if required. Firewalls and routers handle UDP differently due to its stateless nature. Despite being unreliable by design, UDP excels in scenarios where latency is critical and data changes rapidly.