Hosting · Website glossary

Web server

Quick answer · What is Web server?

Software that receives web requests and sends responses, or the computer running that software.

IN PRACTICE

Web server: an example

A browser requests a stylesheet; the web server sends the CSS file with response headers.

KEEP IN MIND

A web server can serve files directly or pass work to an application; the two jobs are different.

Put the idea to work

Frequently asked questions

What is a practical example of Web server?

A browser requests a stylesheet; the web server sends the CSS file with response headers.

Does a web server always run the application's logic?

A web server can serve files directly or pass work to an application; the two jobs are different.

Which concepts should I read alongside Web server?

HTTP: Hypertext Transfer Protocol defines how clients and servers exchange web requests and responses.
Application server: Software that runs application logic and generates responses using code, data, or other services.