Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Datagram sockets, which utilize the User Datagram Protocol (UDP), offer a lightweight alternative to the connection-oriented model of TCP sockets.
If you’re already familiar with server sockets, you’re in a great position to dive into the world of datagram sockets. UDP's non-connection-oriented nature can lead to some fascinating applications, but it also comes with its own set of challenges.
Let’s unpack what makes UDP unique and how you can leverage it in your Java applications.