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A web server is a computer that stores, processes, and delivers site files to web browsers. It uses Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) to respond to client requests made over the World Wide Web. When a user's device needs a file that's hosted on a web server, it initiates the request via a web browser, such as Google Chrome or Firefox. The user types the URL of the site where the required file is hosted. The browser requests the file by HTTP. The web server then verifies the existence of the directory and, if it exists, finds the requested document and sends it back to the browser through HTTP.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A web server is a computer that stores, processes, and delivers site files to web browsers. |
| Function | Its main job is to display website content, such as text, images, videos, and applications, to users. |
| Software | The web server software controls how users access hosted files. It includes an HTTP server that processes requests and URLs. |
| Hardware | The hardware side connects to the internet to enable data exchange with other devices. It stores web server software and files such as HTML documents, JavaScript files, and CSS stylesheets. |
| Protocols | Web servers use Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and other protocols to respond to client requests. HTTP specifies how to transfer hypertext (linked web documents) between computers. |
| Types | Static web servers display the same content to all users, while dynamic web servers show content that's unique to each user. |
| Examples | Lighttpd, Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS), Nginx, Apache, Jigsaw, Sun Java System Web Server, NodeJS |
| Security | Web servers can store and protect critical website data from unauthorized users. |
| Bandwidth | Web servers can control bandwidth to regulate network traffic and minimize downtime caused by high web traffic. |
| Scripting | Server-side web scripting enables users to create dynamic web pages using scripting languages such as Ruby, Python, and PHP. |
| Virtual Hosting | Web servers can be used as virtual servers to run multiple applications, websites, and services. |
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What You'll Learn
- Web servers use Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) to respond to user requests
- HTTP servers process and respond to incoming requests
- Web servers store, process and deliver site files to web browsers
- Web servers are used in web hosting, i.e. the hosting of data for websites
- Web servers can be static or dynamic
Web servers use Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) to respond to user requests
A web server is a combination of hardware and software that uses HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) to respond to user requests. HTTP is a set of rules that govern how information is transferred between networked devices, specifically web servers and client browsers. It is a textual, stateless protocol, meaning neither the server nor the client remembers previous communications. HTTP provides clear rules for how a client and server communicate.
When a user's device needs a file that's hosted on a web server, it initiates the request via a web browser. The user types the URL of the site where the required file is hosted. The browser requests the file by HTTP. When the request is received by the web server, the HTTP server accepts the request, finds the content and sends it back to the browser through HTTP. Thus, when a browser requests a page from a web server, this series of steps plays out: The user specifies a URL in a web browser's address bar. The web browser obtains the IP address of the domain name either by translating the URL through the domain name system (DNS) or by searching for it in its cache. This brings the browser to a web server. The browser requests the specific file from the web server by an HTTP request. The web server responds, sending the browser the requested page, again, through HTTP.
Upon receiving a request, an HTTP server checks if the requested URL matches an existing file. If so, the web server sends the file content back to the browser. If not, the server will check if it should generate a file dynamically for the request. If neither of these options are possible, the web server returns an error message to the browser, most commonly a 404 Not Found error.
The primary role of a web server is to store, process, and deliver requested information or webpages to end users. It uses physical storage to ensure the safety of website data. When an end user enters the URL of a website or searches using a keyword on a browser, a request is generated and sent to the web server to process the data. Web browsers find the web server on which the website data is located. Once the browser finds the server, it reads the request and processes the information.
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HTTP servers process and respond to incoming requests
HTTP servers are an integral part of the World Wide Web, facilitating the transfer of hypertext (linked web documents) between computers. HTTP, or Hypertext Transfer Protocol, is a set of rules that govern the exchange of information between clients and servers.
When a user types a URL into a web browser, the browser initiates a request for the file hosted on a web server. This request is made via HTTP. The web server then accepts the request and checks if the requested URL corresponds to an existing file. If the file is found, the server sends the file back to the browser. If not, the server may attempt to generate the file dynamically. If this is not possible, the server returns an error message, most commonly a '404 Not Found' response.
After interpreting the request, the server attempts to fulfil it. If the client has requested a specific file or page, the server locates the resource on its system. The server then verifies if the client has the necessary permissions to access the resource. If the resource exists and the client has permission, the server sends the resource back to the client in the body of an HTTP response. This response includes a status code and headers, providing additional information about the result of the request. Common status codes include '200', indicating a successful request, '404 Not Found' if the requested resource does not exist, and '403 Forbidden' if the client lacks the necessary permissions.
HTTP servers play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth transfer of information between web browsers and web servers, adhering to the standardised rules of HTTP to facilitate effective communication.
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Web servers store, process and deliver site files to web browsers
A web server is an essential component of the internet, storing, processing, and delivering site files to web browsers. When a user types a web address into their browser, the browser looks up the website's IP address through the Domain Name System (DNS). This is like looking up an address in an address book. The browser then sends an HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) request to the server, asking it to send a copy of the website to the user. HTTP is the language used for communication between the client and the server.
The HTTP server software on the web server then processes the request. It checks if the requested URL matches an existing file. If the URL is correct, the web server sends the file content back to the browser. If not, the server will check if it should generate a file dynamically. If neither of these options is possible, the server returns an error message, most commonly a 404 Not Found error.
The server sends the website's files to the browser in small chunks called data packets. The browser then assembles these data packets into a complete web page and displays it to the user. This process happens quickly, allowing users to access websites and their associated files almost instantly.
Web servers play a crucial role in this process by storing the website files and processing requests from browsers. They facilitate the transfer of information between the server and the user's browser, ensuring that users can access and interact with websites seamlessly.
Additionally, web servers can provide either static or dynamic content. Static websites serve content "as-is" and are the easiest to set up. Dynamic websites, on the other hand, process or generate content on-the-fly from a database, offering more flexibility but requiring more complex server configurations.
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Web servers are used in web hosting, i.e. the hosting of data for websites
A web server is a computer that stores, processes, and delivers site files to web browsers. It is used to host websites and web-based applications, storing, processing, and displaying web content, such as text, images, videos, and applications.
Web servers are essential for web hosting, providing the hosting of data for websites. They are made up of hardware and software, with the hardware connected to the internet, enabling data exchange with other devices connected to the web. The hardware stores web server software and its files, such as HTML documents, JavaScript files, and CSS stylesheets.
The software side of a web server includes an HTTP server that processes requests and URLs. HTTP, or Hypertext Transfer Protocol, is a protocol used to exchange information between computers. It is a set of rules for communication between two computers, with all commands in plain text and human-readable. When a user's device needs a file that is hosted on a web server, it initiates the request via a web browser. The browser then requests the file by HTTP, and the HTTP server on the web server accepts the request, finds the content, and sends it back to the browser through HTTP.
Web servers can be used to host static or dynamic content. Static content is served 'as-is' and remains the same for all users until it is modified. Dynamic content is unique to each user and is generated by the server on the fly from a database. Dynamic content can be generated by an internal module or an external program associated with the requested URL path.
Web servers can also be used as virtual servers to run multiple applications, websites, and services. They can provide security, such as built-in DDoS protection, and help regulate network traffic by controlling bandwidth.
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Web servers can be static or dynamic
A web server is a piece of software that uses HTTP and other protocols to respond to client requests made over the World Wide Web. Its primary role is to store, process, and deliver requested information or webpages to end users. When a user's device needs a file that's hosted on a web server, it initiates the request via a web browser, such as Google Chrome or Firefox. The user types the URL of the site where the required file is hosted. The browser requests the file by HTTP.
Static websites are also more secure since they do not have databases or server-side scripting. As no server-side code exists to exploit, static sites are inherently more secure than dynamic sites. As a result, attackers are less likely to inject malicious code or steal data on static sites. However, static sites may not be suitable for areas that require user participation, such as e-commerce or social networking platforms, because they are limited in connecting with users. Static sites do not generate dynamic content or offer personalized content, so they may have less SEO potential.
Dynamic websites can retrieve and alter content in real time based on user interactions. Dynamic websites instantly create new web pages in response to user input or other sources. Its content can change due to user interaction, database content, or other real-time sources. Dynamic servers can use various kinds of caching to serve pre-cooked content but update it dynamically. Dynamic servers are, however, more expensive, more complex, and slower than static servers. They are also easier to overwhelm, as they are vulnerable to heavy loads when lots of people are all trying to get content at the same time.
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Frequently asked questions
A web server is a computer that stores, processes, and delivers site files to web browsers.
When a user's device needs a file that's hosted on a web server, it initiates the request via a web browser. The user types the URL of the site where the required file is hosted. The browser then requests the file by HTTP.
The primary role of a web server is to store, process, and deliver requested information or webpages to end users. It also helps protect website data from unauthorized users.
An HTTP server is software that understands URLs (web addresses) and HTTP (the protocol your browser uses to view webpages). It processes and answers incoming requests.
A static website displays the same content to every user, whereas a dynamic website shows content that is unique to each user.
