This document provides an introduction to sockets and their use for interprocess communication. It defines sockets as an abstraction layer between applications and network protocols that allows processes to establish connections for sending and receiving data. The document outlines the key functions of sockets like defining endpoints, initiating and accepting connections, sending and receiving data, and terminating connections. It also describes the different types of sockets for reliable stream-based and unreliable datagram-based communication. Addressing, ports, and the client-server model are explained at a high level. Code snippets demonstrate how to create, bind, listen for, and accept connections on both the client and server side.