What Is a Web Server and the Different Types for Your Website

Nowadays, using the internet has certainly become a daily necessity. Every day, you probably browse the internet to look for various information. When you type in a keyword, your browser sends a request to a web server. Then, the web server provides the data you need. So, what is a web server and how does it work? Check out the full explanation in this article!

What Is a Web Server?

What is a web server? This term is actually quite familiar in everyday life. However, there are still quite a few people who are unfamiliar with the term “web server.”

So, a web server is software that provides data services. A web server is responsible for receiving HTTPS or HTTP requests from internet users. After that, the web server will provide a response to the request in the form of a web page.

Additionally, a web server is a necessity for users. It offers large storage capacity along with easy and fast access. Consequently, issues with a website or application can be prevented.

Thus, it can be said that a web server is the core of a website. Without a robust server, your website is likely to be slower, prone to downtime, and even vulnerable to hacker attacks.

How Does a Web Server Work?

A web server operates in several stages. First, a user submits a request via a web browser. For example, by visiting a website, searching for content, or sending an email. Then, the browser requests the necessary data via HTTP/HTTPS. HTTP/HTTPS are protocols that support the transfer of information through images, text, video, or other components.

After that, the web server searches for the browser’s request within the hosting environment. Hosting itself is the location where the files required by the website are stored. Once the requested data is found, the web server sends all the data via HTTP/HTTPS. If the data isn’t found, the web server displays an error page. Finally, the browser displays the requested information to the user.

What Are the Functions of a Web Server?

A web server plays a crucial role for a website. Its functions include the following:

1. Clearing the Website Cache

A web server significantly impacts a website’s page-loading speed. A good web server typically features an effective caching system. Caching is a method of temporarily storing data within the system. Through caching, subsequent identical requests can be processed more efficiently, as the browser simply retrieves data already stored locally.

2. Maintaining System Security

Next, the web server uses HTTP/HTTPS to send data to the browser. HTTP/HTTPS acts as a sort of “messenger” that carries information and handles traffic exclusively between your website and the web server. The data transfer process itself is private.

3. Sending Data Requested by the User

Finally, the web server is responsible for sending the data needed by internet users. This data consists of the components that make up a website page—including scripts, text, images, audio, and more.

What Types of Web Servers Can You Use?

There are many different types of web servers. Naturally, each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. The following are the most commonly used types of web servers:

1. Nginx

Nginx is an open-source web server, meaning it can be used freely by anyone without a fee. Nginx outperforms Apache in handling websites with high traffic. This is why Nginx is highly suitable for professional businesses with high website traffic. Additionally, the performance provided by Nginx is already excellent.

2. Apache

Next is Apache, the most popular web server widely used by the public. Apache’s function is to act as a server. Furthermore, Apache supports several complementary programs, including PHP, SSI, and Access Control. You can also upload various files using programming languages such as PHP (Personal Home Page) or PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor).

3. IIS

Next is the IIS web server, or Internet Information Services. This is a web server that supports protocols like HTTP, TCP/IP, or other software used to build a website.

4. Lighttpd

Finally, there’s the open-source Lighttpd web server. Lighttpd’s key features include FastCGI, Output Compression, and URL rewriting. The Lighttpd web server was created by a programmer from Germany. If you use Lighttpd, you’ll experience just how fast this web server operates.

That’s a brief explanation of what a web server is. A web server is truly the heart of a website. Without a web server, you and all of us wouldn’t be able to access anything on the internet. In fact, the internet might not have many users if web servers didn’t exist.

Speaking of web servers and websites, if you’re interested in building a website, you can use the Virtual Private Server service from Cloudmatika. This service is an excellent choice for building a website with an easy-to-use control panel. Additionally, Cloudmatika offers SSL services for website security and domain registration services. Contact us today for more information.