Even though it’s not a foreign term, you may have suddenly been curious, what is a web server?
What are Web Servers?
A web server is a computer that stores, processes and sends website files to a web browser.
A web server consists of hardware and software that uses HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) to respond to web user requests from the World Wide Web.
Through this process, the web server loads and sends the requested page to be served on the user’s browser, for example Google Chrome.
Web servers also use SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) and FTP (File Transfer Protocol) in processing files for e-mail or storage.
From the hardware side, the web server is connected to the internet to exchange data or files between other devices that are also connected. This data can be anything, such as an HTML file, an image, a JavaScript file, or a CSS stylesheet.
This hardware also houses the web server software, which controls how web users access the files that are hosted. This software consists of several components, containing at least one HTTP server. The HTTP server itself is software that can capture HTTP requests and URLs.
Continue reading this article, because we will discuss in full what a web server is, along with how it works, functions, and some examples of popular web servers. Let’s Begin!
How Do Web Servers Work?
Web servers use a client-server model. In this structure, one program called the client will request a resource or service from another program, namely the server.
To process this web client request, the way the web server works is:
1. When a web user wants to access website content, the browser will request access via the internet, which is called an HTTP request.
Then, the browser looks for the IP address of the requested website by translating the URL of the web page through the domain system or searching in the cache. This process will find the web server hosting the website files.
2. The web server receives the HTTP request, then processes it through the HTTP server.
Once the request is received, this HTTP server will traverse the server’s files to fetch the relevant data.
3. After that, the web server returns the results in the form of a website file to the browser that sent the request earlier. Then, users can view website content.
However, if the HTTP server fails to find or process the requested file, it will respond to the browser with an error code. One of the messages that appears most often is error 404 not found, or 403 forbidden if there is a problem with permissions.
On the other hand, if the web server fails to receive a timely response from another server acting as a proxy or gateway, a 504 gateway timeout error may also appear.
Static vs Dynamic Web Server
Web servers can serve static or dynamic content. A static web server consists of a computer and HTTP software. This type of web server sends website files back to the browser without any changes.
Meanwhile, dynamic web servers consist of static web servers, with additional software which usually consists of databases and application servers.
The dynamic web server functions to update the files that are hosted before sending them through the HTTP server. In this way, the dynamic web server can generate and send dynamic content to the web browser.
Web Server Features
In addition to supporting the HTTP protocol for processing incoming requests and responses, most web servers offer similar standard features, such as:
– Logging files
Log files record events or activities performed by web servers, such as request, security, and error logs. Every time the web server receives a new request, a line of text is added to the log.
– Authentication
There are many servers that offer this feature before allowing partial or full access to website resources. Authentication features usually include an authorization request, which requires a username and password.
– Bandwidth limitation
Web server bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transferred or processed at any given time. Bandwidth throttling controls the response speed to ensure the network is not overcrowded and can transmit files smoothly.
– Storage space
This space refers to the amount of disk space available to store files, determining whether the web server can host the website.
The web server also has other important elements, including:
– Programming language
A web server programming language is a type of code that is used to develop programs that run on servers. Also called server-side scripting languages, some of the most popular examples of programming languages include PHP and Python.
– Uptime
Server uptime or active time records how long the web server is running and can process requests or send files. Server uptime also affects the operating time of the website it hosts, known as website uptime. The standard uptime is currently expected to be 99.9%.
What is the Function of a Web Server?
There are three main functions of a web server, namely:
1. Host multiple websites or web applications.
2. Process FTP (File Transfer Protocol) requests.
3. Send and receive emails.
The web server is responsible for hosting the website so that it can be accessed on the internet. Therefore, the features and functions of a web server are focused on creating and maintaining a hosting environment.
If you want to create and online a website, you need access to a web server. The easiest way to access it is through web hosting.
Web hosting is a service that provides server space for websites to store files, assets and databases.
Not only that, the web hosting provider is also responsible for ensuring the server runs smoothly. Its tasks include performing backups, caching, security monitoring, and general maintenance.
There are a number of benefits that you will get if monitoring and maintenance of the web server where your website is hosted is carried out by a web host, such as:
1. Optimum uptime and performance
The web host will handle the process of hardware maintenance and software updates, which helps improve website performance and uptime.
2. Secure servers
The web host implements effective security protocols to reduce vulnerabilities and secure the hosted website from malware or cyber attacks.
3. Various choices of hosting packages
Website owners can choose a hosting package that is equipped with various features and functions according to their needs.
4. Cost-effective
Website owners do not need to take care of and manage a dedicated server, but simply choose a hosting package that provides the required number of server resources.
5. Flexibility
Web hosts offer packages that can be customized as needed, so website owners can get additional hosting resources such as storage or bandwidth as needed.
Examples of Existing Web Servers
Some of the most popular examples of web servers include:
1. Apache HTTP Server
Free and open-source web server that can be used on many operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X. Apache is the very first web server software available, and one of the best choices for website owners, developers, and hosting providers , dominates the market with a total of 31%.
2. NGINX
Popular open-source web server software that previously only served HTTP web services. Now, NGINX is also used as a reverse proxy, HTTP load balancer, and email proxy. NGINX is known for its speed and ability to handle multiple connections, so many high-traffic websites use it.
3. Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS)
IIS is a proprietary web server software developed by Microsoft and widely used in the Windows operating system.
4. Lighttpd
Free and open-source web server software that is known for its speed and uses less CPU power. Lighttpd is also popular because it has a small memory footprint.
In the world of web hosting, various web hosts support different types of servers. An example is Hostinger, which supports Apache and NGINX, two of the best web servers available today.
Conclusion
The definition of a web server is a computer that stores, processes, and sends website files. A web server consists of both hardware and software, each having a different role in processing files.
In addition, various types of web servers can deliver dynamic or static content to browsers.
The main function of these features is to host websites, process HTTP requests, and deliver web content to users. So, in order for your website to be accessed online, you need to have your own server or web hosting.
If you choose web hosting, the server maintenance process will be carried out by him, so that security and performance will be guaranteed. You can also focus more on other business aspects and website development.
Thanks for reading, see you in another article!
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