UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is a communications protocol that is part of the Internet Protocol Suite, which is used for transmitting data across networks. Unlike TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), UDP is connectionless and does not require a handshake process to establish a connection before data is sent. This makes UDP faster and more efficient for certain applications, particularly those that require low latency and can tolerate some data loss.

UDP is commonly used for time-sensitive transmissions where speed is more critical than reliability. For example, in video playback, UDP allows for the continuous streaming of data, which is essential for maintaining smooth playback without buffering. Similarly, in DNS (Domain Name System) lookups, UDP enables quick query and response times, which is crucial for resolving domain names to IP addresses efficiently.

Because UDP does not provide error correction or guarantee the order of packet delivery, it is best suited for applications where these features are not as important. Developers often implement their own error-checking mechanisms at the application level if needed. Overall, UDP’s simplicity and speed make it an ideal choice for applications where performance is prioritized over reliability.