Microsoft Docs

HTTP Client

The HttpClient class provides a modern and efficient way to send HTTP requests and receive HTTP responses from a resource identified by a URI. It supports asynchronous operations and allows for fine-grained control over requests and responses.

Key Capabilities:

• Sending GET, POST, PUT, DELETE requests.
• Handling headers and content.
• Configuring timeouts and redirects.
• Using message handlers for advanced scenarios (e.g., authentication, logging).

Example:

using System.Net.Http;
using System.Threading.Tasks;

var client = new HttpClient();
var response = await client.GetAsync("https://api.example.com/data");
response.EnsureSuccessStatusCode(); // Throw if not a success code
var responseBody = await response.Content.ReadAsStringAsync();
Console.WriteLine(responseBody);
                    

Learn more about HttpClient >>

Socket Programming

For low-level network communication, .NET offers the System.Net.Sockets namespace. This provides classes for creating TCP and UDP sockets, enabling you to build custom network protocols or interact directly with network services.

Key Concepts:

• Socket class for raw socket operations.
• TcpListener and TcpClient for TCP servers and clients.
• UdpClient for UDP datagrams.
• Asynchronous I/O for efficient handling of network streams.

Use Cases:

• Building custom network protocols.
• Developing high-performance network services.
• Interfacing with legacy network systems.

Explore Socket Programming >>

WebSockets

WebSockets provide a full-duplex communication channel over a single TCP connection, enabling real-time, two-way communication between a client and a server. .NET offers robust support for both client and server WebSocket implementations.

Features:

• Real-time data streaming.
• Low-latency communication.
• Efficient for chat applications, live updates, and online gaming.

Relevant Classes:

• ClientWebSocket
• WebSocketService (ASP.NET Core)

Getting Started with WebSockets >>

DNS Resolution

Resolve domain names to IP addresses and vice versa using the System.Net.Dns class. This is a fundamental operation for most network applications.

Functions:

• Dns.GetHostEntry(string hostName)
• Dns.GetHostName()

Understanding DNS in .NET >>

IP Addressing and Network Interfaces

Work with IP addresses, network endpoints, and local network interfaces using classes like IPAddress, IPEndPoint, and NetworkInterface.

Applications:

• Configuring network services.
• Querying local network configuration.
• Validating IP addresses.

Working with IP Addresses >>