A Web Server: What it is and How it Operates

You use one or more web servers whenever you go online, whether checking social media or reading this post. These serve as the link that connects you to the website you’re browsing and are a crucial part of the modern internet.

What is a Web Server?

The computer that accepts and handles user requests to access a website is known as a web server. It comprises both hardware - the data-carrying device and software - the device’s operating system and the web server software.

In terms of function, web servers (not the wires or communication system) are comparable to telephones. Web servers use different communication protocols to react to client requests. Hypertext Transfer Protocol, or HTTP, is the most widely used one; HTTPS is a secure counterpart. File Transfer Protocol (FTP) and Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) are other protocols.

Computers function as web servers. However, they frequently serve a particular purpose rather than enabling you to utilize them for various tasks. They also require hardware to function, just like all computers do.

A web server’s hardware can be as large as the supercomputers used by internet giant companies or as compact and basic as a laptop. You can interface with the server using any operating system (OS), including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

An HTTP server, a database, and at minimum, one programming language are all components of the most basic web server. Together, they enable the server to make web page requests and connect to other servers available as necessary.

How Web Server Works

Users can connect to web servers using the domain names or URLs of the web pages that the server can connect to. The software components handle all required processing and translation. It employs one of its scripting languages, such as Python, PHP, Java, or Ruby, to request a webpage.

Before transmitting the material to your browser, the server first uploads all requested files and media to its own internal database. Rich media, JavaScript files, pictures,  and HTML websites are all included in this.

All you need to do is provide the correct server’s URL or “location.” Your browser uses the URL to retrieve the domain’s IP address via the Domain Name System (DNS). The requested web page is sent once the request has been received and approved by the web server.

But occasionally, things go awry. The server would refrain from providing the page if you were trying to access a website for which you do not have authorization. Instead, it responds with an error message that often includes an error code and explains what went awry.

Local vs. Remote Web Servers

Web servers must be physically present, even if they are operated remotely, as they are primarily hardware. Most web servers are hosted remotely today. A distant server isn’t close to the user, as the name would imply.

If you want to host your own webpage, you can choose between hosting it locally or using distant servers. Depending on the service provider you rent it from, a remote web server might host just your website or several others with various URLs.

However, employing a local web server frequently entails using your own laptop, desktop, or tablet as a web server. Following that, it will be able to respond to queries from other people’s browsers and provide them access to your website. You can also buy one to keep and operate a dedicated server locally.