What is a Web Server?
Web servers and application servers are the types of servers that have different purposes. A computer system that serves web pages is known as a web server. It offers online services that make it possible to browse websites via the internet. Providing online pages to web browsers is the duty of the web server’s software. Additionally, it controls how the web browser and web server interact. A format that web browsers can read is used by the webserver to store web pages.
Additionally, it keeps other data like codes, images, and video files. These files are read by the web server software, which then transmits them to the browser window. The web page is subsequently shown on the user’s pc by the browser window.
What is an Application Server?
A software architecture called an application server gives application programmed gateways and other features. Enterprise application environments frequently employ application servers. A platform for running the program is provided by the application servers, which function as a collection of components available to the application developer. Different software manufacturers can create application servers, and they frequently include both open-source and commercial components. A few large players, JBoss and Tomcat, presently control the majority of the application server industry. Nevertheless, there is a pattern toward microservice architecture and containers, which could lead to additional companies entering the market. The particular requirements of the program and the setting in which it will be implemented should be taken into account when selecting an application server.
Difference between Web server & Application server
A piece of software called a web server is made to deal with requests from web browsers. Your web browser makes a call to the web server running the website whenever you fill in a web address. The web server then returns the website files in response. Files for downloads, such as Pdf or photos, can also be kept on web servers.
A piece of software with the purpose of running apps is known as an application server. Application servers typically give apps a mechanism to communicate with databases and frequently come with other features like safety and account management. Application servers are made to handle requests from apps, as opposed to web servers, which are made to deal with requests from web browsers.
Features of a web server
- It has the capacity to expand data storage, enabling the creation of several websites.
- Simple log file configuration allows for where to store all log files.
- By controlling network traffic with the aid of bandwidth control, delays caused by a high quantity of web traffic can be avoided.
- FTP websites are simple to create since they make it easier to transfer enormous files from one site to another.
- Simple folder security and website installation
- Virtual directories are simple to create and can be linked alongside actual directories.
Features of an application server
A server type known as an application server is made specifically to host apps and offer a framework on which to run them. Application servers have a wide range of features, including security, scalability, and support for many languages. They might also provide features like communicating, multiplexing, and procedural support. Web servers and application servers are frequently used together, with the web server delivering static content and the application server handling the application’s dynamic content.
Types of Web Server
There are a few types of web servers, each designed to host different kinds of content or offer various features. Some common types of web servers include the following:
Apache HTTP Server: One of the most popular web servers developed by the Apache Software Foundation. It’s open-source and can be used on a variety of operating systems.
Nginx: A high-performance web server that’s also open-source. Nginx is known for its reliability, rich feature set, and simple configuration.
Microsoft IIS: Microsoft’s web server, available on Windows Server. IIS includes a number of features, such as support for ASP.NET and Windows authentication.
Types of Application Server
There are a few types of application servers, each with its own set of features and purpose. Some common types of application servers include the following:
WebLogic: A Java EE application server by Oracle that runs on Windows, Linux, OS X, and Solaris. WebLogic includes support for Oracle databases and is often used in enterprise environments.
WebSphere: Another Java EE application server developed by IBM. WebSphere runs on a variety of platforms and includes features such as clustering and high availability.
JBoss: An open-source application server that can be used with a variety of programming languages. JBoss is often used in Java-based environments.
Conclusion
Web servers and application servers are two different types of servers that serve different purposes. Web servers are designed to host websites and deliver content to web browsers, while application servers are designed to host apps and provide a framework on which to run them. Both types of servers have their own set of features and purposes, so it’s important to choose the right type of server for your needs.
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