Protocol Language

Definition

Protocol Language

any implementation language that is used to document protocols, whereby a protocol is a standard set of formatting rules for transmitting data between devices.

Classification

As illustrated in the preceding figure, Protocol Language is part of the following inheritance hierarchy:

• Type: Concrete
• Superclass: Implementation Language
• Subclasses: None
• Example Instances:
  • File Transfer Protocol (FTP), which is a protocol for exchanging files over the Internet
  • HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP), which is the underlying protocol of the Web and used for transferring webpages
  • Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), which is a protocol for transmitting email over the Internet
  • Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), which is a set of communications protocols for connecting hosts over the internet
  • Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)

Responsibilities

The typical responsibilities of a Protocol Language are to:

• Document the type of error checking to be used
• Document the data compression method, if any
• Document how the sending device will indicate that it has finished sending a message
• Document how the receiving device will indicate that it has received a message

Guidelines

• Protocols can be implemented in hardware or software.
• Protocols are usually evaluated and selected during architecting.