what is an rfc

A Request for Comments (RFC) is a publication in a series from the principal technical development and standards-setting bodies for the Internet, most prominently the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) . An RFC is a formal document that contains specifications and organizational notes about the technical foundations of the internet, including the protocols used to deliver services, such as TCP, QUIC, and Web Real-Time Communications. RFCs are authored by individuals or groups of engineers and computer scientists in the form of a memorandum describing methods, behaviors, research, or innovations applicable to the working of the Internet and Internet-connected systems. RFCs usually begin as Internet-Drafts (I-Ds) written by an individual or a small group, which are then usually adopted by a working group, and improved and revised. Once an RFC has gone through the review and revision process, it receives a final review for errors, as well as for style and editorial issues. Once a satisfactory document is produced, the RFC Production Center (RPC) assigns a unique number to the RFC and publishes it through the RFC Editor.