A web server is a system—either software, hardware, or both—that stores, processes, and delivers web content to users over the Internet using the HTTP or HTTPS protocol. When a user’s browser sends a request (like visiting a website), the web server responds by delivering the appropriate resources, such as HTML pages, images, videos, or data.
How Does a Web Server Work?
When a user accesses a website by entering a URL in their web browser, the browser sends an HTTP request to the web server hosting the website. The web server processes this request and returns the necessary resources to display the page on the user’s browser.
Working of a Web ServerHere is a simplified version of how the process works
- Client Request: In the web browser(https://www.example.com/) the user enters a URL.
- DNS Resolution: To get the IP address of the requested domain, the browser contacts a Domain Name System (DNS) server.
- Connecting to the Web Server: Using the obtained IP address the browser establishes a connection with the web server.
- Processing Request: The web server receives the request and processes it.
- Serving the Response: The requested files(HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images ) are sent back to the client's browser by the web server.
- Rendering the Web Page: Based on the received data the browser displays the web page to the user.
Types of Web Servers
Web servers can be categorized based on their functionality, usage, and implementation. Below are some of the most common types
Web Servers1. Apache Web Server
Apache Web Server is one of the most widely used and the oldest open-source web servers available under the Apache License 2.0 which means that it can be freely used and can be modified. It was developed by the Apache Software Foundation, and first released in 1995. It is highly flexible and customizable. It is written in the C programming language.
- Supports multiple operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS).
- Allows advanced routing.
- Provides directory-level configuration.
2. Nginx Web Server
Nginx (pronounced as "Engine-X") is a high-performance web server known for its speed, scalability, and efficient handling of concurrent connections. It was developed by Igor Sysoev, and initially released in 2004 and quickly became popular due to its high performance and scalability. It is written in C language.
- Designed for handling large volumes of traffic.
- Functions as a reverse proxy and load balancer.
- Efficient for serving static content.
IIS is a web server developed by Microsoft, designed to work with Windows Server environments. It was developed by Microsoft, and first released in 1995 as a web server designed specifically for Windows-based systems. It is written in C++.
- Supports ASP.NET, PHP, and other web technologies.
- Provides built-in security features.
- Integrates well with Microsoft products.
4. LiteSpeed Web Server
LiteSpeed is a high-performance web server known for its speed and security features. The LiteSpeed Web Server, developed by LiteSpeed Technologies, and first introduced in 2003 as a high-performance alternative to Apache. It is written in C.
- Faster processing than Apache in some scenarios.
- Built-in DDoS protection.
- Supports PHP applications with high efficiency.
5. Apache Tomcat Web Server
Apache Tomcat is a web server primarily used for running Java-based applications. The Apache Tomcat web server was developed by the Apache Software Foundation and was initially released in 1998. It is written in Java, making it highly compatible with Java-based frameworks like Spring Boot.
- Supports Java Servlets and JSP (Java Server Pages).
- Provides a robust environment for Java EE applications.
- Works well with Apache web server.
6. NodeJS Web Server
NodeJS itself can act as a web server by handling HTTP requests directly without requiring additional software. NodeJS, developed by Ryan Dahl, and introduced in 2009 as a JavaScript runtime environment rather than a traditional web server. It is written in JavaScript and C++.
- Event-driven, non-blocking architecture.
- Highly efficient for real-time applications.
- Uses JavaScript for both client-side and server-side development.
7. Lighttpd
Lighttpd was developed by Jan Kneschke, and released in 2003 as a lightweight and fast web server. It is written in C and is available as an open-source project under the BSD License. Lighttpd is a cross-platform web server, running on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
- It is optimized for low memory usage and high-speed performance, making it ideal for servers with limited resources.
- Uses asynchronous request handling, which improves efficiency and scalability for handling multiple connections.
- Supports HTTPS, FastCGI, and URL rewriting, making it a secure and efficient choice for web hosting.
8. OpenLiteSpeed
OpenLiteSpeed was developed by LiteSpeed Technologies, and launched in 2013 as the open-source version of LiteSpeed Web Server. It is written in C and is available under the GPLv3 License. It is cross-platform, supporting Windows, Linux, and macOS. OpenLiteSpeed offers built-in caching, HTTP/3 support, and high-performance optimizations, making it an excellent choice for developers looking for a free alternative to LiteSpeed.
- Provides fast processing speeds with built-in caching and event-driven architecture, improving website loading times.
- Supports modern web protocols for faster and more secure communication between clients and servers.
- Offers an easy-to-use interface for configuring server settings, making management simpler.
9. Jigsaw Server
Jigsaw Server was developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), and first released in 1996 as a research-based web server. Jigsaw is written in Java and is open-source. It is designed for testing and developing new web standards, rather than being used for mainstream web hosting.
- Jigsaw is cross-platform, running on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
- Allows users to extend and modify its functionality easily, making it flexible for research and development.
- Fully supports HTTP/1.1 and is designed for experimenting with new web technologies.
10. Sun Java System Web Server
The Sun Java System Web Server was developed by Sun Microsystems, and released in 1996 as a web server optimized for Java applications. It was written in C and C++. After Oracle acquired Sun Microsystems, the development of this web server was discontinued.
- Designed specifically for hosting Java-based enterprise applications, ensuring seamless integration.
- Handles high traffic efficiently, making it suitable for large-scale applications.
- Supports multiple operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and Solaris, for flexible deployment.
Which Web Server Should You Use and When?
Choosing the right web server depends on what you need for your website or application. Here’s a simple guide to help you decide:
- Use Apache: If you want a reliable and customizable web server that works on almost any system. It’s great for general websites and supports many features.
- Use Nginx: If your website gets a lot of visitors and you need a fast and efficient server that can handle high traffic smoothly.
- Use IIS: If you are using Windows-based applications and need a server that works well with Microsoft technologies like ASP.NET.
- Use LiteSpeed: If you want a faster and more secure alternative to Apache, especially for WordPress or other PHP-based websites.
- Use Apache Tomcat: If your website or app is built with Java and you need a server that supports Java Servlets and JSP (Java Server Pages).
- Use NodeJS: If you’re building real-time applications, such as chat apps or online games, and want to use JavaScript for both frontend and backend.
- Use Lighttpd: If you need a lightweight and fast server that works well on systems with low memory or limited resources.
- Use OpenLiteSpeed: If you want a free version of LiteSpeed that still offers great speed and performance.
- Use Jigsaw: If you are a developer or researcher testing new web technologies and standards.
- Use Sun Java System Web Server: If you are working with older Java applications, but note that this server is no longer supported.
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