why are protocols so important in the world of computing?

Answer 1

Computer applications utilize protocols in determining how a process should proceed.

Example: a binary stream may have identical bit patterns with exception of the protocol flag which determines how the bits should be interpreted.

Answer 2

Well, think of protocols as a standardization measure.

For example, if every automobile maker created cars and trucks that used all different types of fuel, finding a fueling station that carried your type of fuel would be more difficult. But since most of them use gasoline, it is easy to drive down the street to fill up your tank.

Protocols are just standardized rules that make it easy for computers of different makes, models and years to communicate.