How HTTP Requests Really Work: DNS, TCP Handshakes, and Raw Sockets Explained
Every HTTP request triggers a precise sequence of low-level network operations long before any application code runs. The process begins with DNS resolution, where the client traverses a hierarchy of caches and nameservers to convert a domain name into a routable IP address. Once the IP is known, the client opens a TCP connection using a three-way handshake, and for HTTPS, a cryptographic TLS negotiation follows. Understanding these transport-layer mechanics — including raw socket writes and packet sequencing — is essential for building systems that remain reliable under production load. A DEV Community guide walks developers through this full lifecycle using low-level Go socket primitives to demonstrate the protocol in its most fundamental form.
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