What is a Web server?
In order to understand web servers, let's separate them into two parts, "web" and ''server".
Web which is also known as the World Wide Web, World Wide Web is connected to the internet and allows connection to the internet and allows connected devices. It is made up of various elements such as Images, videos, text, and other pieces of information are included in it.
The server generally stores all the pieces of information that are retrieved from the web.
Summary
A web server is a software or hardware, or a combination of both.
1. Hardware side
A web server is a computer machine that stores the software of a web server and other components that are used for a website like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and image files. This server is connected to the internet and performs data communication and exchange with devices connected to the internet.
2. Software side
A web server includes different protocols and methods that control the access of hosted files are known as the best HTTP server. An HTTP server is software that recognizes website addresses (URLs) and the protocols that your browser uses to display the page (HTTP).
Consider an example to elaborate, any browser needs access to a file that is hosted on a popular web server, and the first operation that your browser will perform is the request of the required file using the HTTP protocol. When this request is delivered to the right web server (hardware), the HTTP server (software) finds the requested document and sends the result of your request using the same HTTP protocol. If your requested document is not found, then the HTTP server will return the 404-page error. As you can see in the diagram given below:
Every website required either a dynamic or static web server:
1. Static Web Server
It is based on a physical server (hardware) and an HTTP server (software). When a client sends a request for a specific file from his browser the static web server sends the hosted files as it is.
2. Dynamic Web Server
It is also a static web server with enhanced functionality by an application server or database. When any client sends the request the application server makes the changes or updates on hosted file before delivering it to a client by an HTTP server.
What are the main features and functionalities of a web Server?
Creates websites and supports large files
Configures log files and website or directory security
Specifies default documents (when we open simply localhost by entering localhost then index.html will be displayed)
Server-side scripting for dynamic pages
As you know, there are different types of businesses that serve their clients online and every business has its own needs and requirements. For example, one business needs the fastest web server and the best web server software while others only need the most secure web server. There are many web servers on the market, but the most popular and widely used is the Apache HTTP web server, which was developed by the Apache Software Foundation.
Apache
Apache is the most widely used web server software developed and maintained under the apache software foundation with the open community of developers that participates in this work. According to research, Apache is used by around 31.2% of websites and works on a number of operating systems. Apache is available to download and install for free.
Features:
Loads dynamic modules, handle index files, auto-indexing, and static files
Supports IPv6 and HTTP/2
Available for all major platforms including Linux, Windows, macOS, and others
Great collection of modules with wonderful functionalities
Apache makes easy scripting possible
Fault tolerance, load balancing mechanisms, and fine-grained authorization that enables object-level security.
Final Words about Apache
It is widely used and the favorite among technical people because it is available without any license. The complete code is available so you can change or edit it according to your requirements. If you want to learn more about Apache, visit the Apache Foundation page.