Getting Started with Network Programming

[Moonraker101]

Trying to get into network programming, but I seem not to have a clear direction on were I should start. I already know what language and library (C++ and SFML), but I don't know were to begin and what else I need. Do I require some kind of server such as Apache? Can someone lead me to any library agnostic books or readings that have to do with network programming? SFML has documentation but I feel as though its not enough. Kinda stuck, and I don't know were the next logical step would be.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated, thanks in advance.

(Sorry if this is in the wrong section, I was unsure)

[ResidentBiscuit]

You first need to know the fundamentals of networking. I suggest looking around and reading a few articles about the basics of how networks actually work. Then look into client-server architecture and work on creating your own client-server application. Once you do this, you should be comfortable enough with networks to branch out.

Network programming can be a complicated beast, it's something that can be hard to just jump into blind. You do need some sort of background knowledge first.


Also, Apache isn't something you need. That is a network application in itself, namely it's a web server. If you want to build a website, you'd be using Apache or Tomcat or one of the various other web servers out there.

[Moonraker101]

Thanks ResidentBiscuit for the tip, I know very basic concepts such as TCP vs UDP but its nothing to brag about.

Is there any books you recommend for Networking. I will look into the articles as supplementary information.

[a k n]

To get started in network programming , you could use

Beej's Guide to Network Programming
: http://beej.us/guide/bgnet/

It explains the bare basics of networking but assumes you are programming on Linux , you could probably convert the examples to SFML or winsocks easily.
Even if you don't run the examples given , it's a good place to learn the basics anyway.

[Moonraker101]

Thanks for the resource a k n, I will take a look at it. I have noticed similar functions between the library that is being used and SFML, so the underlying concepts should be the same.

[Avilius]

It always makes me cringe inside when people just link the beej tutorials. Of course they're great for learning the BSD socket-based APIs (like WinSock2 and Linux's), but they don't really teach any client server architecture. I'd recommend downloading some source code, like the original Quake, and taking a peak at how it's networking was handled. That will teach you a good client server design that you can use in other projects (assuming you want to get into game programming)

[Disch]

Learning from source code sucks. Documentation is always helpful.

[Avilius]

Yeah, but I'm not saying not to use documentation. You should use Beej's tutorials for learning BSD sockets, but a real world example for a server-client architecture. Sadly there isn't any reputable sources for learning other than looking at source code that I know of.

[Moonraker101]

Thanks guys, I'm gonna try to find some more books and supplementary articles on the matter. Documentation with source code is always a good thing.

[Z e r e o]

As mentioned above some of the best ways to learn about real world examples would be through real source code and documentation, though you of course will probably need to have a good grounding in the basics and probably advanced topics of the subject to even attempt trying to understand any source code in actual use.

But anyways thought I would drop a suggestion on a book that I found helpful on the subject of networking though it specifically has to deal with networking for real time applications. Though since the OP mentioned he is using SFML I assume he is aiming towards some real time graphical application to use networking in.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0123744237/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I found that book very helpful to explaining networking for real time applications. It actually broke down and explained what goes into real world networking in a way that I could understand easily. The only downfall for me was that is semi old (2009) so some technology has advanced a bit though what the book teaches is still very much relevant in my opinion. Anyways that is a good book that I would suggest on the subject.

[Moonraker101]

Thanks for the suggestion Z e r e o. The book you suggested looks useful, so I will give a shot.

Can the SFML networking feature also work on non-gaming activities? or is it game specific.

[Avilius]

Yes, it's a [relatively] minimal wrapper over your normal BSD sockets.