What is meant by the term communication protocol?

A communication protocol is a set of rules and conventions that dictate how data is transmitted and received over a network. It defines the format, timing, sequencing, and error-checking mechanisms for messages exchanged between devices. Communication protocols ensure interoperability between different systems and devices, allowing them to communicate effectively, whether in local networks or across the internet. Examples include HTTP for web traffic, TCP/IP for data transmission, and FTP for file transfers.