network programming management-UNIX

Question

under what conditions a socket is ready for reading and writing?

Answer 1

After the socket binds to a IP address and port, its ready to read/write. Is your question specific for any language ?

Answer 2

On a server, you would usually do in order:

• socket() - Create socket
• bind() - Bind the socket to a specific port
• listen() - Listen for incoming request
• accept() - Accept the request

So, in this situation, your socket would be ready for reading and writing after passing and on successful accept()

On a client side:

• socket() - Create socket
• connect() - Make connection to another peer

So here, it would be ready if it passes and on successfull connect().

Answer 3

Have a look at the excellent Beej's guide to network programming here. Worthy read...