I know I can read and write it as a byte, but under the hood, does it get sent as an integer or a true byte? I am asking because I am optimizing my network code, sending a single byte should be better than sending a 32bit integer (4 bytes). I even pack my bytes with individual bits if I don't need a full byte so that a byte can contain more than 1piece of information.

Maybe you could use pktmon to check

cybermind,

this stuff is a bit beyond me but a skim of Network.cpp seems to show integer (UINT)?

ie, @ CheckMessagesServer, i see GetBytes() followed by RecvUInt()

perhaps you can make more sense of the source than i so figured i'd direct you to it.

In the days of Dialup every byte mattered and sending a int when a byte is required is wasteful, maybe packing four bytes into a int and sending that would be better

I am trying to make speed-optimized multiplayer code, so if each added byte is still handled as a 32-bit integer and possibly with a bit of overhead for each value added to the message, I might as well pack all 4 bytes into one 32-bit integer sending only one integer with its overhead (plus all the other overhead for the packet itself, of course).

AddNetworkMessageByte() will only send a single byte over the network

Thank you, it is good to know Is there any overhead for each byte? Something telling the receiving end that only a byte will be sent?

Is there any overhead for each byte? Something telling the receiving end that only a byte will be sent?

Nope, the receiver has to assume the format of the message to read it correctly, or you can add your own values to tell the receiver what to expect

Nope, the receiver has to assume the format of the message to read it correctly, or you can add your own values to tell the receiver what to expect

Ah, yes, that makes sense, that's what I am doing when I read packets. Thanks for the clarification