Hey Dev, in today’s digital era, web and application servers are the most frequently used terms. Both servers are the backbone of the internet that gets used to deliver web applications to millions of users around the world. While they perform a similar function, they have different roles to play. In this article, we will explore these differences in detail.
What is a Web Server?
A web server is a program that runs on the physical server, which stores and delivers web pages to clients upon demand via the internet by interpreting HTTP requests. Web servers primarily deliver files over HTTP, and their primary purpose is to serve static files.
Static Content Delivery
The best way to understand the role of a web server is to think of it as a powerful computer program that is responsible for delivering static content to web browsers. Static content refers to files that are stored on a server and delivered to clients without any alteration. It can be HTML, CSS, JavaScript, image files, or any other file type that can be displayed on a web browser.
The web server receives the HTTP request from the browser, retrieves the requested file, and sends it back to the browser. Web servers can deliver static web pages faster than application servers because they don’t require much processing.
HTTP Request Handling
Web servers can handle HTTP requests, and they work based on a request and response model. When a client sends a request to the server, the server replies to the request with an HTTP response. The response can either be successful or unsuccessful based on the client’s request.
Web servers like Apache and Nginx are examples of web servers that are widely used.
What is an Application Server?
An application server is a program that is responsible for handling dynamic content and delivering business logic to a client application. Unlike web servers, which can only serve static content, application servers can process dynamic requests from clients and deliver dynamic content based on the request.
Dynamic Content Delivery
Application servers can process complex business logic, execute database queries, and generate dynamic content based on the client’s request. They can build dynamic web pages, process user input, and store data in databases.
Application servers also work based on a client-server model, where the client sends a request to the server, and the server processes the request and sends back a response. The response can be dynamic, and it can change based on the client’s request.
HTTP Request Handling
Application servers can handle HTTP requests, just like web servers. However, application servers require additional processing capabilities to handle complex business logic and deliver dynamic content.
Examples of application servers include Oracle WebLogic, IBM WebSphere, and JBoss.
Difference Between Web Server and Application Server
Role and Functions
The primary role of a web server is to deliver static content from a server to a client browser. Whereas, an application server’s primary function is to handle dynamic content and deliver business logic to client applications.
Processing Capabilities
Web servers require minimal processing power and memory to serve static content. Application servers, on the other hand, require more processing power and memory to handle complex business logic and deliver dynamic content.
Supported Applications
Web servers support web applications that can be developed using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other web technologies. Application servers support enterprise applications developed using Java EE, .NET, or other programming languages.
Scalability
Web servers can be easily scaled horizontally, meaning additional web servers can be added to handle more traffic. Application servers can be scaled horizontally as well, but they can also be scaled vertically to handle more processing power and memory requirements.
Security
Both web servers and application servers are susceptible to security threats. However, application servers have more security features and tools to enhance their security because they handle sensitive business data and logic.
FAQs
Question |
Answer |
Which is faster, web server, or application server? |
Web servers are faster than application servers because they serve static content. |
Can a web server process dynamic requests? |
No, web servers can only serve static content. |
Do both web servers and application servers use HTTP protocol? |
Yes, both servers use the HTTP protocol to communicate with client browsers. |
Which server is better for enterprise applications? |
Application servers are better for enterprise applications because they handle complex business logic and deliver dynamic content. |
Is it possible to use both web server and application server together? |
Yes, it is possible to use both web server and application server together in a single enterprise application. |
That’s all for today, Dev. We hope this article has cleared your doubts about the differences between web servers and application servers. Remember, both servers have their unique roles to play in delivering dynamic web applications to clients. Choose the server that best suits your application requirements, and happy coding!
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