Exploring the Different Functions of a Web Server

A web server is a combination of hardware and software. A web server reacts to client requests transmitted over the WWW (World Wide Web) using HTTP and different protocols. This article will discuss in detail the function of web server. 

When you go to a website, your computer sends a request to the website’s server. The server then sends the website’s data back to your computer. This is how you see the website on your screen.

Importance Of Web Servers 

A web server is very expensive. Very few people can afford to buy a web server. 

“But, if the web server is so expensive, how come millions of websites are operating worldwide?”

The web hosting industry came up with a unique solution for the expensive web server. The web hosting industry leases web servers to individuals and business owners. That is why we are able to take rent of a web server for a few dollars. 

So, individual and business owners can use the service of web servers without buying them. And as a result, we see these massive activities on the internet. 

So, we can say, without web servers, the mass activity of the internet will not be possible. 

The Main Function of Web Server

Web servers execute user requests to make sure users quickly get the information they need. Like executing user requests, the web server has various types of functions. In this section, we will discuss some of the main function of web server. 

Ensuring The Safety Of Websites

Web servers offer different security features to shield websites and their visitors from unwanted activities. These features include: 

• Firewalls to prevent unwanted access
• SSL/TLS encryption for safely transferring data
• Defense against popular cyberattacks

Delivering Website Content

A web server’s main job is to store and transfer requested web content, such as: 

• Web pages
• Videos
• Photos
• Files- to the clients. 

In order to do this, incoming requests must be processed. The requested content must then be retrieved from the server’s storage devices. After that, it is sent back to the client as an HTTP response.

Maintaining Web Applications

Web applications offer different services, like- 

• Social networking
• E-commerce
• Management of content

These services are managed and kept up to date by a web server. This includes the following things: 

• Setting up and maintaining web application software
• Keeping an eye on its performance
• Debugging any potential problems.

Serving Many Users Simultaneously

A web server accommodates numerous users at once by managing numerous HTTP requests simultaneously. This is accomplished by using multi-threading or other methods. These methods enable the server to handle requests concurrently.

Serving Static as well as Dynamic Content 

The content that web servers offer is both static and dynamic. HTML files, pictures, and stylesheets are examples of static content. Dynamic content is created instantly based on input from users or other variables. 

Web servers offer different and engaging online experiences by serving different types of content. 

Handling HTTP Requests

An HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) server responds to client or user queries. When any type of web content is requested by a client, it is sent to the web server over the internet. 

Then, it processes the request and retrieves the needed files from its hard drives. After that, the web server sends the HTTP response back to the client.

Responding to HTTP Requests

A web server responds to HTTP requests from users or clients. The HTTP protocol stands for the industry-standard protocol for interacting with clients and web servers. 

Your computer uses the HTTP protocol to send a request to the website’s server whenever you visit a website. The server receives the request and locates the desired page. After that, it returns the page to your computer for you to view.

So, these are the main functions of web server. 

Additional Function of Web Server

In the previous section of this article, we have discussed some of the main functions of a web server. Apart from these core functions, the web server also has some additional functions. These additional functions of a web server are as follows: 

• Web servers make sure that necessary modules are accessible and prepared for use.

• It keeps website data safe from unauthorized users.

• Web servers Limit bandwidth to manage network traffic and assist in removing downtime.

• It cleans modules that are unused and the cache.

• Web servers perform a safety check on any HTTP requests the browser sends.

Examples of Web Servers

Now, let’s discuss some of the examples of the most famous web servers:

Nginx Web Server

Igor Sysoev was the original creator of Nginx. This web server had released publicly in October 2004. Nginx is a free as well as an open-source web server, and this web server is also used as a 

• Load balancer
• HTTP cache
• Reverse Proxy 
• Mail Proxy

Many high-profile companies such as T-mobile, Cisco, and Salesforce use the Web server of Nginx. Nginx has the highest market share among all web server developers. As of March 2022, it has a 30.95% market share among all web server developers. 

Picture: Screenshot of the Nginx Web Server Website

Apache Web Server

The Apache web server is the most used as well as the most popular web server worldwide. Apache web server was founded in 1996. The Apache Foundation now manages this web server. 

Netcraft ran a survey on the market share of web server developers on March 2022. It found that Apache has the second-highest market share, which is 23.33%. 

Picture: Screenshot of the Apache Web Server Website

IIS Web Server

IIS refers to Internet Information Services. Microsoft is the owner of the IIS Web server. This web server can be customized using a graphical user interface.

On the Windows operating system, an IIS web server works on the Microsoft.NET framework. While running IIS on Linux as well as Macs with Mono is possible, it is not recommended. 

Picture: Screenshot of the IIS web server website

In conclusion, the core function of web server is as follows: 

• Ensuring The Safety Of Websites
• Delivering Website Content
• Serving Many Users Simultaneously
• Maintaining Web Applications
• Serving Static as well as Dynamic Content 
• Handling HTTP Requests
• Responding to HTTP Requests