Basic networking concepts in the context of Java programming include the basics of network protocols, IP addresses, sockets, and the TCP and UDP protocols.

In networking, a protocol refers to a set of rules that govern the communication between computers. Examples of network protocols include HTTP, FTP, and SMTP. Understanding the protocols used in networking is necessary for effective communication between computers.

When it comes to IP addresses, an IP address is a unique identifier assigned to a computer on a network. When data is being exchanged between computers, it requires an IP address to identify where the data should be sent or received from.

Sockets are endpoints for communication between computers. They are used to establish connections between a client (requester) and a server (responder) computer, and can be either TCP or UDP.

In TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) communication, data is transferred in an ordered and reliable manner, and is ideal for applications that require error-free data transmission. On the other hand, UDP (User Datagram Protocol) communication sends data packets in a fire-and-forget manner, and is ideal for time-critical applications with lower data reliability requirements.

As a Java programmer, understanding basic networking concepts is essential in developing networked applications that interconnect with other systems. With this knowledge, you can easily develop software to interact with other systems, and troubleshoot network-related issues that may arise.