What Is a Web Server? Everything You Need to Know
In simple terms, a web server is a computer that stores, processes, and delivers website files to web browsers. Web servers consist of hardware and software that use Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) to respond to web users’ requests made via the World Wide Web.
Through this process, web servers load and deliver the requested page to the user’s browser – Google Chrome, for example. Web servers also use Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) to process files for email or storage.
So, what is a web server made of? On the hardware side, a web server connects to the internet, which enables it to exchange data or files between other devices that are likewise connected. This data can come in different forms, such as HTML files, images, JavaScript files, or CSS stylesheets. Web server hardware also stores web server software.
Web server software controls how web users access hosted files. It consists of several components, housing at least an HTTP server. An HTTP server is software that can understand HTTP requests and URLs. Keep reading as this article will explain how a web server works, why we need them, and list some popular examples.
Static vs. Dynamic Web Server
Web servers can serve static or dynamic content. A static web server consists of a computer and HTTP software. Static web servers send a website’s files back to a web browser without any changes.
A dynamic web server consists of a static web server plus extra software. This additional software most commonly consists of an application server and databases.
Dynamic web servers essentially update hosted files before delivering them via an HTTP server. This enables it to generate and send dynamic content to a web browser.
Web Server Features
Aside from supporting HTTP protocols to process incoming requests and responses, most web servers offer the following standard features:
File logging. Log files document any events or activities web servers perform, such as requests, security, and error logs. Each time a web server receives a new request, a line of text is added to the log.
Authentication. Many servers offer this feature before permitting partial or complete access to a website’s resources. Authentication features often involve authorization requests – when a username and password are required.
Bandwidth limiting. A web server’s bandwidth is the amount of data it can transfer or process at any given time. Bandwidth limiting controls the speed of responses to ensure that a network is not oversaturated and can deliver files smoothly.
Storage space. It refers to the amount of disk space available to store files, which determines whether a web server can host a website.
Why Do We Use a Web Server?
Web servers host websites so that they are accessible on the internet. This is why a web server’s features and functions focus on creating and maintaining a hosting environment. If you want to create and publish a website, you’ll need access to a web server. The most convenient way to do this is through web hosting.
Web hosting is a service that provides your website with server space to store its files, assets, and databases. Not only that, but a web hosting provider’s role is also to ensure servers run seamlessly. It involves performing backups, caching, security monitoring, and general maintenance.
