what is the difference between socket and sock?

Question

I found that there is "socket: /tmp/mysql.sock" in some config files, so what is the difference between socket and sock ?

Answer 1

sock is an abbreviation of socket (also a sock is something that is worn on the feet).

Answer 2

'Socket' is the technical term for a handle that refers to a network endpoint. It originated in the Unix API for networks, and has since leaked over to Windows.

A socket can refer to TCP connection, a UDP packet endpoint, an X.25 connection, or ... a Unix domain socket, which is a mutant named pipe.

People tend to name Unix domain sockets with 'sock' in the name, but there's no requirement.