Difference between revisions of "Web server"

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== Web server ==
 
== Web server ==
  
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The term '''[[Web server|web server]]''' refers to either the [[Hardware (computing)|hardware]] (the [[Computer|computer]] on which the software runs) or the [[Software|software]] (the application that accepts connections and responds to requests) that delivers [[Web content|web content]] over the [[Internet]].
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A '''web server''' is either the computer (hardware) or the program (software) that delivers web content over the internet.
  
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In the context of the [[World Wide Web]], a [[Web server]]'s primary function is to store, process, and deliver [[Web page|web pages]] and other files to users' [[Web browser|web browsers]]. It does this using the [[Hypertext Transfer Protocol|HTTP]]. When you visit a website, your [[Web browser|browser]] acts as the client, and it communicates with the web server hosting the website.
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On the World Wide Web, a web server's main job is to store, process, and deliver web pages and files to your web browser using HTTP. When you go to a website, your browser talks to the web server hosting it.
  
 
=== Client-Server Model ===
 
=== Client-Server Model ===
  
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[[Web server|Web servers]] operate based on the [[Client–server model|client-server model]]. A [[Web browser|web browser]] (the client) sends an [[HTTP]] request to the [[Web server]]. This request typically asks for a specific resource, like a [[Web page]] or an image, identified by a [[URL]].
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Web servers use a client-server model. Your web browser (the client) sends an HTTP request to the web server, usually asking for a specific web page or image identified by a URL.
  
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The [[Web server]] is constantly running and listening for these requests on specific network "ports" (like port 80 for standard [[HTTP]] or port 443 for secure [[HTTPS]]). When a request arrives, the server processes it and sends back an [[HTTP]] response. This response includes the requested resource (if found) and information about the status of the request (like "200 OK" for success or "404 Not Found"). The [[Web browser|browser]] then receives the response and displays the content to the user.
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The web server constantly listens for requests on specific ports (like 80 for HTTP or 443 for HTTPS). When it gets a request, it processes it and sends an HTTP response. This response contains the requested content (if found) and a status (e.g., '200 OK' for success, '404 Not Found' for errors). Your browser then displays this content.
  
 
=== Software Component ===
 
=== Software Component ===
  
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The [[Software|software]] part of a [[Web server]] is the application that performs the core tasks of receiving, processing, and responding to [[HTTP]] requests. This software is designed to handle requests from potentially many [[Client (computing)|clients]] concurrently.
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The web server software is the program that handles HTTP requests. It's built to manage many client requests at once.
  
 
Web server software is responsible for:
 
Web server software is responsible for:
  
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* **Processing Requests:** Receiving [[HTTP]] requests from [[Web browser|browsers]], parsing them to understand what resource is being asked for and what action is requested (like GET, POST).
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Processing Requests: Receiving and understanding HTTP requests from browsers (e.g., what page or action is asked for).
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* **Locating Resources:** Finding the requested file or data on the [[Server (computing)|server]]'s [[Data storage|storage]].
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Locating Resources: Finding the requested file or data on the server's storage.
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* **Generating Responses:** Creating the [[HTTP]] response message, including the requested content (the body of the response) and special [[HTTP header|headers]] that provide metadata about the content and the response status.
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Generating Responses: Building the HTTP response, including the content and status information (headers).
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Web server software can deliver different types of content:
 
Web server software can deliver different types of content:
  
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* **[[Static web page|Static Content]]:** These are files stored on the server exactly as they are to be delivered. Examples include plain [[HTML]] files, images, [[CSS]] files, and [[JavaScript]] files. The server simply reads the file from disk and sends it to the client.
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Static Content: Files stored as-is, like HTML, images, CSS, and JavaScript. The server just sends them directly.
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* **[[Dynamic web page|Dynamic Content]]:** This content is generated on the fly by running code on the server in response to a client request. The [[Web server]] passes the request to a [[Server-side scripting|server-side]] scripting engine or application (using languages like [[PHP]], [[Python]], [[Java (programming language)|Java]], or [[Node.js]]). This server-side code performs actions like querying a [[Database|database]], performing calculations, or interacting with other services, and then generates [[HTML]] or other output. The [[Web server]] then takes this generated output and sends it to the client.
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Dynamic Content: Content generated live by server-side code (e.g., PHP, Python, Java, Node.js) in response to a request. This code can interact with databases or other services before sending HTML back to the client.
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Common features built into web server software include:
 
Common features built into web server software include:
  
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* **[[Virtual hosting|Virtual Hosting]]:** A single physical [[Server (computing)|server]] running the [[Web server]] software can host multiple separate websites, each with its own unique domain name. The server uses the requested domain name to determine which website the user is trying to access.
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Virtual Hosting: Allows one server to host multiple websites, each with its own domain name.
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* **Access Control:** Configuring restrictions on which users or groups can access specific files or directories, often requiring [[User authentication|authentication]] (like a username and password).
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Access Control: Restricts access to files or directories, often requiring login.
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* **Logging:** Recording details about every request received, including the client's [[IP address]], the time, the requested [[URL]], and the response status. These logs are crucial for monitoring, security analysis, and debugging.
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Logging: Records details of every request (IP, time, URL, status) for monitoring and debugging.
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* **[[Transport Layer Security|TLS]]/SSL Support:** Enabling secure, [[Encryption (cryptography)|encrypted]] communication between the [[Web browser|browser]] and the [[Web server]] using the [[HTTPS]] protocol. This protects data in transit from being intercepted or tampered with.
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TLS/SSL Support: Enables secure, encrypted communication (HTTPS) between browsers and servers, protecting data in transit.
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* **Compression:** Reducing the size of files (like [[HTML]], [[CSS]], [[JavaScript]]) before sending them to the client, which saves [[Bandwidth (computing)|bandwidth]] and speeds up loading times.
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Compression: Reduces file sizes (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) before sending to save bandwidth and speed up loading.
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* **Caching:** Storing frequently accessed resources in memory to serve them faster on subsequent requests without needing to read them from disk.
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Caching: Stores frequently used resources in memory for faster delivery.
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=== Examples of Web Server Software ===
 
=== Examples of Web Server Software ===
  
 
Some of the most widely used web server software applications are:
 
Some of the most widely used web server software applications are:
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* [[Apache HTTP Server]]
 
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* [[Nginx]]
 
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* [[Microsoft IIS|Microsoft Internet Information Services]] (IIS)
 
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* LiteSpeed Web Server
 
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* Caddy Web Server
 
  
 +
Apache [[HTTP]] Server
 +
[[Nginx]]
 +
Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS)
 +
LiteSpeed Web Server
 +
Caddy Web Server
 
=== Hardware Component ===
 
=== Hardware Component ===
  
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The [[Hardware (computing)|hardware]] side of a [[Web server]] is the actual [[Computer|computer]] on which the [[Web server]] software runs. This hardware needs to be reliable and have enough processing power, memory, and storage to handle the workload.
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The hardware component of a web server is the actual computer running the software. It needs to be reliable with enough processing power, memory, and storage for the workload.
  
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Key hardware resources required for a [[Web server]] include:
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Key hardware resources required for a web server include:
  
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* **[[Central Processing Unit|Processing Power]] ([[Central Processing Unit|CPU]]):** The CPU performs the computations needed to process requests, especially for dynamic content generation and encrypting/decrypting [[HTTPS]] traffic.
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Processing Power (CPU): Handles computations for requests, especially for dynamic content and [[HTTPS]] encryption.
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* **[[Random-access memory|Memory]] ([[Random-access memory|RAM]]):** RAM is used by the operating system, the web server software, and any applications generating dynamic content. Enough RAM helps the server handle many simultaneous connections and serve content quickly (especially from cache).
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Memory (RAM): Used by the operating system and server software. Sufficient RAM allows many connections and fast content delivery.
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* **[[Data storage|Storage]]:** Hard drives or [[Solid-state drive|SSDs]] are needed to store the website files, dynamic application code, databases, and server logs. The speed of the storage affects how quickly static files can be retrieved.
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Storage: Hard drives or SSDs for website files, application code, databases, and logs. Storage speed affects how fast static files are retrieved.
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* **[[Networking|Networking]]:** A fast and reliable [[Network connection|network connection]] is essential for receiving requests from the internet and sending responses back efficiently.
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Networking: A fast, reliable network connection is crucial for receiving and sending data efficiently.
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Web server hardware is often in data centers, which provide essential power, cooling, and high-speed, reliable network access.
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Web server hardware is often located in [[Data center|data centers]], which provide necessary infrastructure like power, cooling, and high-speed network access with guaranteed [[Availability|availability]].
 
  
 
=== How it Works ===
 
=== How it Works ===
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The basic flow when you access a website is:
 
The basic flow when you access a website is:
  
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1.  You type a [[URL]] (like `https://www.example.com`) into your [[Web browser|browser]].
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You type a URL (e.g., https://www.example.com) into your browser.
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2.  Your [[Web browser|browser]] uses [[DNS]] to translate the human-readable domain name (`www.example.com`) into the [[IP address]] of the [[Web server]] that hosts the website.
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Your browser uses DNS to find the web server's IP address from the domain name.
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3.  Your [[Web browser|browser]] opens a network connection to that [[IP address]] on the appropriate port (usually 443 for HTTPS).
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Your browser connects to that IP address, usually on port 443 (for HTTPS).
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4.  Your [[Web browser|browser]] sends an [[HTTP]] request over the connection, asking for the content of the requested [[URL]] (e.g., the home page).
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Your browser sends an HTTP request for the URL's content.
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5.  The [[Web server]] receives the request. It finds the requested file (for static content) or runs the appropriate server-side script (for dynamic content).
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The web server receives the request, finds the file (static) or runs a script (dynamic).
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6.  The [[Web server]] generates an [[HTTP]] response, which includes the requested content and status information.
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The web server creates an HTTP response with the content and status.
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7.  The [[Web server]] sends this response back to your [[Web browser|browser]] over the network connection.
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The web server sends this response back to your browser.
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8.  Your [[Web browser|browser]] receives the response, reads the [[HTML]] and other files, and displays the [[Web page]] to you.
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Your browser receives the response, reads the HTML and other files, and displays the page.
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=== Use Cases ===
 
=== Use Cases ===
  
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[[Web server|Web servers]] are fundamental to the [[World Wide Web]] and power many online services:
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Web servers are essential for the World Wide Web and power many online services:
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* **[[Web hosting|Hosting Websites]]:** Their primary use is making websites accessible to anyone on the internet.
 
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* **[[Web application|Web Applications]]:** They serve the content and run the server-side logic for interactive web applications (like online stores, social media platforms, online tools).
 
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* **[[API]]s:** Web servers handle requests for [[API]]s, allowing different software systems and applications to communicate and exchange data over the internet.
 
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* **File Sharing:** They can be used to serve files directly via [[HTTP]], suitable for downloads.
 
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* **Streaming Media:** Delivering audio and video content as streams to clients.
 
  
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Hosting Websites: Their main role is making websites available online.
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Web Applications: They deliver content and run server-side logic for interactive web apps (e.g., online stores, social media).
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APIs: They handle API requests, enabling software systems to communicate and exchange data online.
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File Sharing: Can serve files directly via HTTP for downloads.
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Streaming Media: Delivering audio and video content as streams to clients.
 
=== See Also ===
 
=== See Also ===
  
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* [[World Wide Web]]
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[[World Wide Web]]
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* [[Hypertext Transfer Protocol|HTTP]]
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[[Hypertext Transfer Protocol|HTTP]]
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* [[HTTPS]]
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[[HTTPS]]
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* [[URL]]
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[[URL]]
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* [[Web browser]]
 
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* [[Web hosting]]
 
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* [[Web application]]
 
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* [[Server (computing)]]
 
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* [[Client–server model]]
 
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* [[Data center]]
 
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* [[API]]
 
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* [[Static web page]]
 
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* [[Dynamic web page]]
 
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* [[Server-side scripting]]
 
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* [[Apache HTTP Server]]
 
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* [[Nginx]]
 
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* [[Microsoft IIS]]
 
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=== References ===
 
  
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* {{cite book |last=Stephens |first=Richard |title=Essential System Administration |publisher=O'Reilly Media |year=2010 |edition=3rd |isbn=978-0596514806}} - Covers administration of systems including web servers.
 
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* {{cite book |last=Niederst Robbins |first=Jennifer |title=Learning Web Design: A Beginner's Guide to HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Web Graphics |publisher=O'Reilly Media |year=2018 |edition=5th |isbn=978-1491960202}} - Includes basics of how web servers deliver content.
 
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* [https://www.w3.org/Protocols/ HTTP - W3C] - Information on the HTTP protocol from the World Wide Web Consortium.
 
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* [https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTTP/Overview MDN Web Docs - HTTP Overview] - A comprehensive guide to HTTP, including the client-server model.
 
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* [https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/servers/what-is-a-web-server/ Cloudflare - What is a Web Server?] - An online resource explaining web servers.
 
  
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[[Category:Web servers]]
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[[Category:Guides]]
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[[Category:Client–server model]]
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[[Category:Information]]
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[[Category:World Wide Web]]
 
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[[Category:Networking software]]
 
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[[Category:Server software]]
 
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[[Category:Internet protocols]]
 
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[[Category:Computer security]]
 

Revision as of 11:04, 27 May 2025

Web server

A web server is either the computer (hardware) or the program (software) that delivers web content over the internet.

On the World Wide Web, a web server's main job is to store, process, and deliver web pages and files to your web browser using HTTP. When you go to a website, your browser talks to the web server hosting it.

Client-Server Model

Web servers use a client-server model. Your web browser (the client) sends an HTTP request to the web server, usually asking for a specific web page or image identified by a URL.

The web server constantly listens for requests on specific ports (like 80 for HTTP or 443 for HTTPS). When it gets a request, it processes it and sends an HTTP response. This response contains the requested content (if found) and a status (e.g., '200 OK' for success, '404 Not Found' for errors). Your browser then displays this content.

Software Component

The web server software is the program that handles HTTP requests. It's built to manage many client requests at once.

Web server software is responsible for:

Processing Requests: Receiving and understanding HTTP requests from browsers (e.g., what page or action is asked for). Locating Resources: Finding the requested file or data on the server's storage. Generating Responses: Building the HTTP response, including the content and status information (headers). Web server software can deliver different types of content:

Static Content: Files stored as-is, like HTML, images, CSS, and JavaScript. The server just sends them directly. Dynamic Content: Content generated live by server-side code (e.g., PHP, Python, Java, Node.js) in response to a request. This code can interact with databases or other services before sending HTML back to the client. Common features built into web server software include:

Virtual Hosting: Allows one server to host multiple websites, each with its own domain name. Access Control: Restricts access to files or directories, often requiring login. Logging: Records details of every request (IP, time, URL, status) for monitoring and debugging. TLS/SSL Support: Enables secure, encrypted communication (HTTPS) between browsers and servers, protecting data in transit. Compression: Reduces file sizes (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) before sending to save bandwidth and speed up loading. Caching: Stores frequently used resources in memory for faster delivery.

Examples of Web Server Software

Some of the most widely used web server software applications are:

Apache HTTP Server Nginx Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) LiteSpeed Web Server Caddy Web Server

Hardware Component

The hardware component of a web server is the actual computer running the software. It needs to be reliable with enough processing power, memory, and storage for the workload.

Key hardware resources required for a web server include:

Processing Power (CPU): Handles computations for requests, especially for dynamic content and HTTPS encryption. Memory (RAM): Used by the operating system and server software. Sufficient RAM allows many connections and fast content delivery. Storage: Hard drives or SSDs for website files, application code, databases, and logs. Storage speed affects how fast static files are retrieved. Networking: A fast, reliable network connection is crucial for receiving and sending data efficiently. Web server hardware is often in data centers, which provide essential power, cooling, and high-speed, reliable network access.

How it Works

The basic flow when you access a website is:

You type a URL (e.g., https://www.example.com) into your browser. Your browser uses DNS to find the web server's IP address from the domain name. Your browser connects to that IP address, usually on port 443 (for HTTPS). Your browser sends an HTTP request for the URL's content. The web server receives the request, finds the file (static) or runs a script (dynamic). The web server creates an HTTP response with the content and status. The web server sends this response back to your browser. Your browser receives the response, reads the HTML and other files, and displays the page.

Use Cases

Web servers are essential for the World Wide Web and power many online services:

Hosting Websites: Their main role is making websites available online. Web Applications: They deliver content and run server-side logic for interactive web apps (e.g., online stores, social media). APIs: They handle API requests, enabling software systems to communicate and exchange data online. File Sharing: Can serve files directly via HTTP for downloads. Streaming Media: Delivering audio and video content as streams to clients.

See Also

World Wide Web HTTP HTTPS URL

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