What is TCP?

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is a standard that defines how to establish and maintain a network conversation via which application programs can exchange data. TCP works with the Internet Protocol (IP), which defines how computers send packets of data to each other. Together, TCP and IP are the basic rules defining the Internet. TCP is responsible for ensuring reliable data delivery by breaking data into packets, numbering them, and reassembling them in the correct order at the destination. It also handles error checking and retransmission of lost packets, ensuring that data arrives complete and intact. It's commonly used for applications requiring reliable data transfer, such as web browsing, email, and file transfer.