Which protocols are fundamental to the functioning of the web?

The fundamental protocols for the functioning of the web are HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol).

HTTP, or Hypertext Transfer Protocol, is the protocol used for transferring hypertext requests and information between servers and browsers. It's the protocol that allows you to access a website by typing in its URL in your browser. HTTP is a request-response protocol in the client-server computing model. A web browser, for example, may be the client, and an application running on a computer hosting a website may be the server. The client submits an HTTP request message to the server. The server, which provides resources such as HTML files and other content, or performs other functions on behalf of the client, returns a response message to the client.

TCP/IP, or Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, is a suite of communication protocols used to interconnect network devices on the internet. TCP/IP can also be used as a communications protocol in a private network (an intranet or an extranet). The entire Internet Protocol suite, a set of rules and procedures, is commonly referred to as TCP/IP. TCP and IP are the two main protocols in the suite. TCP is responsible for ensuring the reliable transmission of data across Internet-connected networks. IP, on the other hand, deals with the dispatch and routing of data packets.

In addition to these, there are other protocols like FTP (File Transfer Protocol) for file transfers, SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) for email services, and DNS (Domain Name System) for translating domain names to IP addresses. However, HTTP and TCP/IP are the most fundamental to the functioning of the web, enabling the basic process of accessing and transferring information.