A socket is a software structure that enables communication between two devices over a network. It acts as an endpoint for sending and receiving data, allowing applications to connect and exchange information. Sockets can be used in various programming languages, such as Python, Java, and C++, making them versatile tools for developers. In networking, sockets can be classified into two main types: TCP sockets and UDP sockets. TCP sockets provide a reliable, connection-oriented communication, ensuring that data is delivered in order and without errors. In contrast, UDP sockets offer a faster, connectionless communication method, which is useful for applications like video streaming where speed is more critical than reliability.