Comparing IDMSOCKI and SOCKET

While either of these methods allows you to utilize the TCP/IP API functionality, there are benefits to using the SOCKET built-in function:

Parameters can be a record element. When IDMSOCKI is used, each parameter must be defined as a separate record.
It is easier to use.
It provides optimum performance. Calling a system-defined built-in function is more efficient than LINKing to another program type.
You can use the system-defined record SOCKET-CALL-INTERFACE, which contains the definition of the first four parameters. To use this record, add it to the dialog as a work record.
SOCKET supports omitted parameters.

Because of these advantages, use of the SOCKET built-in function is recommended.