Protocols are a set of rules and conventions that govern how data is transmitted, received, and processed within a network or between computing devices. These guidelines ensure that different systems, regardless of their underlying architecture or design, can communicate with each other effectively. In the realm of computer networking, well-known protocols like HTTP, TCP/IP, and FTP define everything from how web pages are requested and served to how packets of data should travel across the Internet. Protocols are essential not only for the functioning of the World Wide Web but also for various other types of communication like email, file sharing, and real-time messaging. In essence, protocols act as the "traffic rules" for digital information, coordinating actions and responses so that the complexities of data exchange become seamless and reliable.