In Java, protocols can refer to a variety of things, including network protocols, application protocols, or even coding conventions.

When it comes to network protocols, Java provides classes and interfaces to facilitate development of applications that communicate over different types of network protocols such as HTTP, FTP, SMTP, and others.

Java also supports various application protocols such as RMI (Remote Method Invocation) and JDBC (Java Database Connectivity), which allow Java applications to communicate with other applications or services on different machines.

In terms of coding conventions, Java has a set of best practices and guidelines that developers should follow to ensure that their code is readable, maintainable, and consistent. This includes things like naming conventions, indentation, and use of comments.

Understanding protocols in Java is critical to developing efficient and effective networked applications. By learning how to work with different protocols, developers can make their applications more versatile and adaptable to different environments and scenarios.