RFC 1 was the first ever RFC, entitled “Host Software” and published by Steve Crocker on April 7th of 1969. The RFC outlined in technical terms how computers on the ARPANET would interface and handshake with each other – somewhat of a precursor to TCP/IP.

Crocker wrote the RFC late at night in his bathroom, so as to avoid awakening his roommates.

Since RFC 1, RFCs have become the principal way of open protocol discussion and specification in the world of computer networking.