> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://mariadb.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://mariadb.com/docs/server/reference/clientserver-protocol.md).

# Client/Server Protocol

## Client/Server Protocol Overview

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[Protocol Data Types](/docs/server/reference/clientserver-protocol/protocol-data-types.md)
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This page defines the fundamental data types used in the MariaDB client/server protocol, including integers, strings, and binary representations.
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[MariaDB Protocol Differences with MySQL](/docs/server/reference/clientserver-protocol/mariadb-protocol-differences-with-mysql.md)
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Learn about the specific extensions and differences in the MariaDB protocol compared to MySQL, such as extended capability flags and metadata.
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## Client/Server Protocol Documentation

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[0 - Packet](/docs/server/reference/clientserver-protocol/0-packet.md)
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Understand the standard packet structure in the MariaDB protocol, including the packet header, length, sequence number, and payload handling.
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[1 - Connecting](/docs/server/reference/clientserver-protocol/1-connecting.md)
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Learn about the connection phase in the client/server protocol. This section details how clients establish initial communication with the server, including handshaking and authentication processes.
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[2 - Text Protocol](/docs/server/reference/clientserver-protocol/2-text-protocol.md)
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Understand the text protocol in the Server's client/server communication. This section details how SQL commands and results are exchanged as plain text, including command types and packet structures.
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[3 - Binary Protocol (Prepared Statements)](/docs/server/reference/clientserver-protocol/3-binary-protocol-prepared-statements.md)
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Understand the binary protocol for prepared statements. This section details how prepared statements are exchanged efficiently between client and server, optimizing performance and security.
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[4 - Server Response Packets](/docs/server/reference/clientserver-protocol/4-server-response-packets.md)
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Understand server response packets in MariaDB's client/server protocol. This section details the various types of packets sent by the server, including OK, Error, and Result Set packets.
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## Replication Protocol Documentation

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[Replication Protocol](/docs/server/reference/clientserver-protocol/replication-protocol.md)
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Understand the replication protocol. This section details how primary and replica servers communicate, exchanging binary log events to ensure data consistency and enable high availability.
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