The Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is a fundamental communication protocol used on the internet. It ensures that data sent from one computer to another arrives accurately and in the correct order. TCP breaks down large messages into smaller packets, which are then transmitted and reassembled at the destination. This process includes error-checking to confirm that all packets are received without corruption.
TCP works alongside the Internet Protocol (IP), forming the backbone of internet communication, often referred to as TCP/IP. While TCP manages the reliable transmission of data, IP handles the addressing and routing of packets across networks. Together, they enable seamless communication between devices worldwide.