Is Web and Server Same?
When it comes to the internet and its workings, many terms are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion among beginners. One such confusion is between the terms “web” and “server.”
While they are related, they are not the same thing. Let’s dive deeper into understanding the difference between a web and a server.
What is a Web?
In simple terms, a web refers to the World Wide Web (www) – an interconnected network of websites and webpages accessible through the internet. It’s a vast collection of information consisting of text, images, videos, and other media files that can be accessed using web browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari.
A website consists of multiple webpages linked together through hyperlinks. Each webpage has its unique address called Uniform Resource Locator (URL), which allows users to navigate between different pages within the website or even across different websites.
What is a Server?
A server, on the other hand, is a computer or system that stores and delivers data or services requested by clients over a network. It acts as a central repository for information and resources that can be accessed remotely by users or other devices connected to the network.
Servers play a crucial role in providing various services over the internet. These services can include hosting websites, email servers, file storage servers, database servers, gaming servers, and more.
Web Servers
One type of server directly related to the web is called a web server. It is responsible for hosting websites and delivering their content to users’ browsers upon request. When you type in a URL in your browser’s address bar or click on a hyperlink, your browser sends an HTTP request to the respective web server.
The web server then processes the request, retrieves the requested webpage or resource, and sends it back to the browser as an HTTP response. This response contains the HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images, and other files necessary to render and display the webpage.
Database Servers
Another type of server commonly used in web development is a database server. It stores and manages data used by web applications. When a user interacts with a website that requires dynamic content or user-specific information (like a login system or e-commerce site), the web server communicates with the database server to retrieve or store the requested data.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both web and server are integral parts of how we access information on the internet, they serve different purposes. The web refers to the collection of websites and webpages accessible through browsers, while a server is a computer or system that hosts and delivers data or services over a network.
Understanding this distinction can help you navigate the internet better and gain insights into how websites function behind the scenes.