Technology

What is the purpose of a web server?

2 answer(s)
Answer # 1 #

In simple terms, a web server's purpose is to store, process, and deliver web pages to users. Think of it like a restaurant:

  • Storing: It holds all the files that make up a website (HTML, CSS, images, etc.), like a kitchen holds ingredients.
  • Processing: When you type a web address (like www.google.com) into your browser, your browser sends a request. The web server "processes" this order.
  • Delivering: The server then finds the requested files and sends them back to your browser, which assembles them into the webpage you see. So, it's the waiter bringing your meal to the table.

Without a web server, the websites we visit wouldn't be accessible to anyone. It's the foundational hardware and software that hosts websites on the internet.

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Answer # 2 #

To add a bit more technical detail, the web server software (like Apache or Nginx) is always running, listening for requests on a specific port (usually port 80 for HTTP). When a request comes in, it handles the HTTP protocol, figures out which specific file or resource is being asked for, and then serves it up. It can also run server-side scripts (using PHP, Python, etc.) to create dynamic content on the fly before sending it to the user. So, it's not just a dumb file cabinet; it's an active participant in creating your web experience.

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