What is a Web Server?
A web server is a computer program that delivers web content, such as web pages, images, and videos, over the internet. It is responsible for responding to requests from web browsers, and providing the content requested. Web servers can be used to host websites and applications, store, process and deliver data, host databases, and more.
Examples of Web Servers
There are many different types of web servers available, each designed to meet different needs. Here are some of the most popular web servers:
- Apache – Apache is an open-source web server that is popular for its flexibility and scalability.
- IIS (Internet Information Services) – IIS is a Microsoft product and is the primary web server for Windows operating systems.
- Nginx – Nginx is a high-performance web server that is often used for applications with high traffic.
- Lighttpd – Lighttpd is a lightweight web server that is designed for speed and efficiency.
- Tomcat – Tomcat is an open-source web server that is designed for Java applications.
How Does a Web Server Work?
When a web browser makes a request for a web page, the web server receives the request and performs a series of steps to fulfill the request. First, it looks up the requested page in its file system. If it finds the page, it sends it back to the browser. If it doesn’t find the page, it sends an error message. In addition to sending back pages, the web server can also execute scripts and applications to generate dynamic content. For example, if a web page contains a form, the web server can process the form data and generate a response.
Conclusion
Web servers are an essential part of the internet, responsible for delivering content to users. They come in many different varieties, each suited for different needs. For further reading: