Demystifying Socket Programming: Build Your Own HTTP Server in C++!

Ever wondered how your browser magically fetches web pages from the vast expanse of the internet? Or how your favorite chat app sends messages across the globe in the blink of an eye? Spoiler alert: it’s all thanks to socket programming! Today, we’re diving into this fascinating world, inspired by Nicholas Day’s awesome video, **C++ Network Programming Part 1: Sockets, and we’re going to build a simple HTTP server together. Buckle up, because we’re about to turn you from a socket newbie to an HTTP hero! What Are Sockets, Anyway? Alright, first things first—let’s talk about sockets. Imagine you’re trying to call a friend who lives halfway across the world. You need a phone (that’s your socket), and you both need to know each other’s phone numbers (that’s the IP address and port). Sockets are like the telephones of the internet—they let applications chat with each other, whether they’re on the same machine or on opposite sides of the planet.

May 5, 2025 - 08:50

Demystifying Socket Programming: Build Your Own HTTP Server in C++!

Ever wondered how your browser magically fetches web pages from the vast expanse of the internet?
Or how your favorite chat app sends messages across the globe in the blink of an eye? Spoiler alert: it’s all thanks to socket programming! Today, we’re diving into this fascinating world, inspired by Nicholas Day’s awesome video,
**C++ Network Programming Part 1: Sockets, and we’re going to build a simple HTTP server together. Buckle up, because we’re about to turn you from a socket newbie to an HTTP hero!

What Are Sockets, Anyway?

Alright, first things first—let’s talk about sockets.

Imagine you’re trying to call a friend who lives halfway across the world. You need a phone (that’s your socket), and you both need to know each other’s phone numbers (that’s the IP address and port). Sockets are like the telephones of the internet—they let applications chat with each other, whether they’re on the same machine or on opposite sides of the planet.