MVP Socat is the fastest way to move network data where you need it

Socat is the fastest way to move network data where you need it. One process. One command. Infinite routing options.

Socat, short for “SOcket CAT,” is a multipurpose relay tool for TCP, UDP, UNIX sockets, and more. It acts as a bidirectional data pipe between two endpoints, making it ideal for bridging isolated services, testing network logic, or exposing a local service without changing its code. An MVP of Socat focuses on its core: accept connections on one side, forward them exactly to the other. Low overhead. Zero UI. Pure function.

To run an MVP Socat, the minimal command is:

socat TCP-LISTEN:8080,fork TCP:localhost:3000

In this example, Socat listens on port 8080, spawns a new process for each connection, and forwards all traffic to localhost on port 3000. That’s enough to proxy a service, test requests, or bridge environments.

Key options to know:

• TCP-LISTEN:<port> — Opens a TCP server socket on the given port.
• fork — Spawns a copy of Socat for each connection.
• TCP:<host>:<port> — Connects to the target TCP service.
• udp and UNIX — Switch protocols with the same syntax.

MVP Socat setups work best when you keep the configuration minimal. Avoid advanced features until you prove the core relay works. Once verified, you can layer encryption with openssl, monitor traffic with logging flags, or script dynamic targets.

Engineers use Socat for quick tunneling, testing microservice communication across containers, simulating network conditions, and exposing services in internal networks to the public internet. In all cases, the MVP approach ensures fast startup and easy teardown.

Socat is small, powerful, and stable. You can integrate it into CI pipelines, temporary debug sessions, or production routing for simple cases. An MVP deployment typically runs in seconds, costs nothing, and needs no external dependencies.

To see an MVP Socat in action without setup headaches, visit hoop.dev and spin up a live demo in minutes.