Computer Networking

For PHP developers, a solid understanding of Computer networking is fundamental to creating secure, fast, and reliable web applications. While frameworks handle many low-level details, knowledge of networking principles is essential for building scalable APIs, diagnosing performance issues, and implementing robust security measures. This skill set separates good developers from great ones, especially in distributed or high-traffic systems.

Networking in Modern PHP Applications

A developer's networking knowledge comes into play when designing REST or GraphQL APIs, configuring web servers, or setting up secure connections. It's crucial for understanding the HTTP protocol, optimizing data transfer with CDNs, load balancing traffic across multiple servers, and debugging connectivity issues between microservices. It is the foundation upon which all web communication is built.

Essential Skills and Knowledge

• Deep understanding of the HTTP/HTTPS protocol, including headers, methods, and status codes.
• Experience building and consuming web services and APIs.
• Knowledge of network security concepts like SSL/TLS, firewalls, and CORS.
• Familiarity with DNS, load balancers, and content delivery networks (CDNs).
• Ability to use command-line tools like curl and ping for diagnostics.
• Basic knowledge of TCP/IP, sockets, and other core networking layers.