What is Web Server? Examples & Uses | Types of Web Server

A web server is a special computer that keeps store server’s software and other website’s components file like as HTML documents, images, CSS stylesheets, and JavaScript files. Now, here we will explain you about what is web server with its types and uses; as well as how does web server work | examples of web server with ease. At the end, you will completely learn about what is web server without any hassle.

Web Server Definition

Web server meaning that it can combination of software and hardware that uses HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) as well as other protocols for getting responds to each client requests made over the WWW (World Wide Web).

web server

Main objective of web server is to display the website content on the browser through internet.

On the hardware edge, web server is a super performing computer which helps to hold their software as well as website’s data files like as text, images, video, and application data. Web server make to connection with internet and to interchange all data along with other devices which are linked to web.

On the software edge, web server enables various parts which help to manage all web users access hosted data like as HTTP server. It is software that can understand all URLs (Web Address). HTTP server can be used by Domain Name of website, and it renders the all content of these hosted websites to end user’s system.

Read More – What is Server: Types, Examples, Functions & Uses of Server!!

Web server is capable to host multiple website with using of same software and hardware resources; it is called the “Virtual Hosting”. But web server has some limitation speed of response to different types of clients as to prevent single client from dominating resources which are better used to sa2tisfy requests from a enlarge number of clients.

Web Server Tutorial Headlines:

In this section, we will show you all headlines about this entire article; you can check them as your choice; below shown all:

  1. Web Server Definition!!
  2. What is Web Server Architecture?
  3. Different Types of Web Servers
  4. Examples of Web Server
  5. Working of Web Server with Diagram
  6. Basic Components of Web Server
  7. Usage Statistics of Web Servers
  8. Uses of Web Server
  9. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
  • What do you mean by web server?
  • What is web server in PHP?
  • What is the difference in between web server and web browser?
  • What are the different types of web server the world?
  • What are the 5 examples of web servers?
  • How does a web servers work?
  • What are the uses of web server explain them?

Let’s Get Started!!

What is Web Server Architecture?

Web server architecture refers to the structure and design of web servers, outlining about how they manage the incoming requests and deliver web content. It establishes the arrangement, elements, and setups that are most essential for the effective operation and provision of web-oriented services to users.

There are two main approaches to web server architecture: Concurrent approach and Single-process-event-driven approach.

In the concurrent approach; the web server handles multiple client requests at the same time, which can be achieved through methods like multi-processing, multi-threading, or a hybrid method.

The single-process-event-driven approach; web server uses a single server to process requests and serve web content.

Different Types of Web Servers

Read More – Advantages and Disadvantages of Web Server!!

The web server is classified into two different categories as per their content delivering process, including:

Static Web Server

Static web server just able to serve static content, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files, without processing any server-side scripts. It consists of the computer along with HTTP server software and is developed to deliver hosted files as-is to a web browser. As well as; static web servers do not need any application server and database and are focused on showing the pre-existing content. For examples of static web servers like as NGINX and Apache when configured to serve only static content

Dynamic Web Server

Dynamic web server is merged with static web server plus additional software, as commonly application server and database. This server is capable of updating hosted files before getting to deliver content to the user’s browser through the HTTP server. It can process and generate content on the fly that is allowing for the display of different kinds of content, including images, videos, and HTML text.

For examples of dynamic web servers, like as Apache that is ability to handle dynamic content and is widely implemented for hosting dynamic websites.

Examples of Web Server

You can also say examples of web server to this list of web server.

List of Web Server Software Name:

  • Apache HTTP Server
  • Internet Information Services
  • LiteSpeed Web Server
  • Lighttpd
  • Sun Java System Web Server
  • Jigsaw Server
  • Nginx Server
  • Google Web Server
  • Node.js

Apache HTTP Server: Apache HTTP server is the most eminent web server that is introduced by Apache Software Foundation. It is an open source server, and it can support mostly all types of operating systems like as UNIX, Linux, Windows, Mac O/S and more. Almost, 60% of systems execute on the Apache Web.apache web serverIt has great modular structure, so you have to access for customizing of Apache server, as well as you have also permission for adding own modules with this server as per your goals and needs. This is more stable than other using of web servers, and its all administrative problems can be resolved quickly.

Internet Information Services (IIS): This server has ultra performance from Microsoft. IIS server provides all features of Apache server, but it is not open source program.
IIS server can be run on Windows NT/2000 and 2003 platforms (and may be on upcoming new Windows version also).
iis web serverIts customer support service is much better so you can resolve all issues of server with using of their services.

LiteSpeed Web Server (LSWS): It has also higher performance, but it is uses as commercial web server. If you want to improve performance and low operating cost then you can upgrade your web server with LiteSpeed. It is more supportive with few common features like as mod_rewrite, .htaccess, and mod_security. Lite Speed Web ServerLSWS has ability to replace all Apache functions, easy to use, and easier with simple to make transition from Apache.

Lighttpd: It is pronounced as “Lightly”, and it is designed in March, 2003. It is also open source web server that is distributed on FreeBSD operating system.

Lighttpd web serverLighttpd is totally different from other servers because it consume less memory, small CPU load, and speed optimization. It is getting more popularity, due to use web frameworks like as Catalyst and Ruby on Rails

Sun Java System Web Server: This server supports several languages, scripts, technologies which are needed for Web 2.0 like as PHP, Python, and more. It is also not an open source program that means you cannot make any modification as per your goals.Sun Java Web ServerIt has ability to handle multi threading and multi process system, and it also provides best data protection and command line interface CLI support.

Jigsaw Web Server: Java language is used for introducing of Jigsaw server, and it is able to run PHP code as well as CGI (common gateway interference) scripts.

Jigsaw Web Server

This server is available as open-source program that means you have to right to modification of its program as per your needs and goals, and its updated program can be installed  on your devices which are supported to Java language.

Nginx Web Server: It is also open source web server, and it has ultra performance, better stability, easy configuration, and less resource usage. This server enables
IMAP/POP3 proxy server.
Nginx Web ServerIt is not able to use threads to manage all requests instead of higher scalable event-driven architecture that implements small and predictable amount under load.

Google Web Server (GWS): GSW is an Linux based web server, and Google uses it for their online services. It is placed on the center of all that Google does online.

Node.js: This type of server provides the JavaScript environment on server edge that is implemented in network applications like as web server.
Node.js web serverIt is introduced by Ryan Dahi, in 2009, and it is controlled by Node.js Foundation, but it is assisted with Linux Foundation’s Collaborative Project program. 

Working of Web Server With Diagram

Read More – Features and Characteristics of Web Server!!

In this section, we will discuss about that how does work web server; below explain properly.

User can see web page on the internet when browser sends multiple requests web pages from web server side then web server responds with serving those pages.working of web server

Getting IP Address from DNS: In the First step, web browser gets the IP (Internet Protocol) from domain name. IP address can be received with two methods like as Finding IP address in Cache and requesting IP address in multiple DNS (Domain Name Servers).

Browser Request Fully URL: Web browser fully aware which IP address website is located at, so it can send request full URL from server side.

Web Server sends Requested Page: Now web server responds with sending requested web page toward web browser. If those web pages do not present then appropriate error message will be display on the web browser. For example – “Error 404 will be display, if your requested pages do not present”.” Error 401 will be display, if user inserts incorrect credential information such as username and password.”

Requested Web Page is Displayed on the Browser: In the finally, web browser receives appropriate requested web page by user and views it.

Basic Components of Web Server

There are some common components of web server, including:

Physical Hardware: It helps to store data and quickly responds to requests.

Internet Connection: It enables the website to be accessible over the Internet.

Operating System: The web server works at the based on an operating system like as Windows, Mac, or Linux.

Database: Stores the data related to the website, including user information, content, and other useful settings.

Scripting Language: It is used to process and generate content on the fly, including PHP, JavaScript, Python, and more.

Usage Statistics of Web Servers

As per the latest data, the usage statistics of web servers of December 2023 are as follows:

  • Nginx: 33.8%
  • Apache: 30.8%
  • Cloudflare: 21.4%
  • Microsoft: 12.8%
  • Other: 5.3%

This data shows that nginx and Apache are the two most commonly used web servers, followed by Cloudflare, Microsoft, and other servers. These percentages are based on the analysis of a large number of websites and may fluctuate over time.

Uses of Web Server

Web server is a part of larger package of internet and intranet similar programs which are used for fulfill these purposes; like as

Read More – File Server: Types, Examples, Advantages, & Disadvantages!!

Web Server Applications:

Hosting Websites: The primary use of web server is to host websites and deliver web pages to users’ browsers. It stores HTML files, images, CSS, JavaScript, and other resources that make up a website.

Web Application Hosting: Web servers are often used to host web applications. These are dynamic websites that provide interactive content and functionality to users.

File Hosting and Sharing: Web servers can be used to host files for download or sharing. This is common for software distributions, media files, and other types of downloadable content.

Content Delivery: Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) use web servers distributed across different geographic locations to deliver content more efficiently. This helps reduce latency and improve the speed of content delivery.

API Hosting: Web servers play a role in hosting application programming interfaces (APIs). APIs allow different software systems to communicate and share data.

Email Services: Some web servers are configured to handle email services. They can host email accounts, manage incoming and outgoing emails, and provide webmail interfaces for users.

Database Hosting: Web servers often work in conjunction with databases to provide dynamic content. The web server handles the presentation layer, while the database stores and manages the data.

Security and Authentication: Web servers can implement security protocols, such as SSL/TLS, to encrypt data transmitted between the server and clients. They also handle user authentication and access control.

Logging and Monitoring: Web servers generate logs that record various details about requests and server activities. 

Load Balancing: In high-traffic scenarios, multiple web servers may be used together with load balancing techniques to distribute incoming requests evenly. This helps optimize performance and ensures high availability.

Proxy Server: Web servers can act as proxy servers, forwarding requests and responses between clients and other servers. This can be used for various purposes, including caching, content filtering, and improving security.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What do you mean by web server?

Web server is combination of hardware and software that going to use HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and other protocols to get respond to client requests made over the WWW (World Wide Web). The main objective of a web server is to show website content through processing, storing and delivering web pages to users.

What is web server in PHP?

Web server is a special computer where all web content is stored, and web server is also going to use to host the websites. But, today other web servers are also available like FTP, email, gaming and etc.

What is the difference in between web server and web browser?

The web browser is special software that allows to use browsing on the internet and showing the pages. Apposite it, a web server is a program that offers their users along with the documents, they request through their web browser.

What are the different types of web server the world?

There are different types of web server like as:

  • Apache HTTP Server
  • Internet Information Services
  • LiteSpeed Web Server
  • Lighttpd
  • Sun Java System Web Server
  • Jigsaw Server
  • Nginx Server
  • Google Web Server
  • js

What are the 5 examples of web servers?

Through this article, already we have been explained many examples of web server; you can check them.

How does a web servers work?

A web serve’s working flow chart is divided into four categories like as:

  • Getting IP Address from DNS
  • Browser Request Fully URL
  • Web Server sends Requested Page
  • Requested Web Page is Displayed on the Browser

What are the uses of web server explain them?

The main goal of using of web server is to fulfill these purposes like as:

  • Sending and receiving web pages
  • Downloading requests for File Transfer Protocol (FTP) files
  • Creating and publishing web pages

The Bottom Lines

Now, i hope that you have been fully educated about what is web server and its types, examples, uses; as well as how does web server work with ease. If this post is helpful for you, then please share it along with your friends, family members or relatives over social media platforms like as Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, Twitter, and more.

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If you have any experience, tips, tricks, or query regarding this issue? You can drop a comment!

Happy Learning!!       

 

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