Web Server
A combination of hardware and software, web servers use protocols like HTTP to respond to client requests made over the web. It also supports File Transfer Protocol or FTP, and Simple Mail Transfer Protocol or SMTP for storing and transferring files and emails. The hardware of the server is connected to the internet and enables the exchange of data with other connected devices. The software manages the access of hosted files by users. A web server is a good example of a client/server model. It is imperative to have web server software for any computer that hosts websites.
Web servers are used to host data for websites and web applications.
Web server software is accessed via the website domain names, and makes sure that the user gets delivery of the site content they requested. The software side is made up of multiple components and has at least one HTTP server. This server is capable of processing HTTP and URLs. The web server hardware is a computer that in turn stores the software, images, HTML documents, JAvaScript files, and other files related to the website.
When Google Chrome, Opera, or any other browser wants a file hosted on a web server, it will use HTTP to request that file. When the server receives the request, the HTTP accepts the request, picks out the content, and transmits it via HTTP to the browser. In case the page requested can’t be found, the web server relays an error message.
One web server can host multiple domains.
Web servers are typically used to perform both internet and intranet-related programs:
- Download requests for FTP files
- Send and receive emails
- Build and publish web pages