Web Server and Its Types

Web Servers play an important role in delivering web applications to users. They process requests from browsers and serve the necessary content, such as web pages, images, and data, ensuring a smooth online experience. Understanding the types of web servers helps in choosing the right one based on performance, scalability, and security needs.

What is Web Sever?

A web server is a system that stores and delivers web pages to users. It uses the HTTP/HTTPS protocol to handle requests from browsers and sends back things like HTML files, images, and videos.

Web Browser This is where you type the URL (e.g., www.example.com). The web browser sends a request for the page you want to access.
Request Sent via the Internet: The request travels over the Internet to the web server, asking for specific content like a webpage or an image.
Web Server: The web server is a computer that stores and delivers web pages. It receives the request from the browser and processes it. The server then prepares the requested information (like HTML, images, etc.).
Response Sent Back: The web server sends the response (the requested webpage or content) back through the internet.
Web Browser Displays the Page: The browser receives the response from the web server and displays the web page to the user.

How Does a Web Server Work?

Client Request: In the web browser(https://www.example.com) the user enters a URL.
DNS Resolution: To get the IP address of the requested domain, the browser contacts a Domain Name System (DNS) server.
Connecting to the Web Server: Using the obtained IP address the browser establishes a connection with the web server.
Processing Request: The web server receives the request and processes it.
Serving the Response: The requested files(HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images ) are sent back to the client’s browser by the web server.
Rendering the Web Page: Based on the received data the browser displays the web page to the user.

How Does a Web Server Work

Types of Web Servers

Web servers can be categorized based on their functionality, usage, and implementation. Below are some of the most common types

Web Servers

1. Apache Web Server

Apache Web Server is one of the most widely used and the oldest open-source web servers available under the Apache License 2.0 which means that it can be freely used and can be modified. It was developed by the Apache Software Foundation, and first released in 1995. It is highly flexible and customizable. It is written in the C programming language.

Supports multiple operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS).
Allows advanced routing.
Provides directory-level configuration.

2. Nginx Web Server

Nginx (pronounced as “Engine-X”) is a high-performance web server known for its speed, scalability, and efficient handling of concurrent connections. It was developed by Igor Sysoev, and initially released in 2004 and quickly became popular due to its high performance and scalability. It is written in C language.

Designed for handling large volumes of traffic.
Functions as a reverse proxy and load balancer.
Efficient for serving static content.

3. Microsoft IIS (Internet Information Services)

IIS is a web server developed by Microsoft, designed to work with Windows Server environments. It was developed by Microsoft, and first released in 1995 as a web server designed specifically for Windows-based systems. It is written in C++.

Supports ASP.NET, PHP, and other web technologies.
Provides built-in security features.
Integrates well with Microsoft products.

4. LiteSpeed Web Server

LiteSpeed is a high-performance web server known for its speed and security features. The LiteSpeed Web Server, developed by LiteSpeed Technologies, and first introduced in 2003 as a high-performance alternative to Apache. It is written in C.

Faster processing than Apache in some scenarios.
Built-in DDoS protection.
Supports PHP applications with high efficiency.

5. Apache Tomcat Web Server

Apache Tomcat is a web server primarily used for running Java-based applications. The Apache Tomcat web server was developed by the Apache Software Foundation and was initially released in 1998. It is written in Java, making it highly compatible with Java-based frameworks like Spring Boot.

Supports Java Servlets and JSP (Java Server Pages).
Provides a robust environment for Java EE applications.
Works well with Apache web server.

6. NodeJS Web Server

NodeJS itself can act as a web server by handling HTTP requests directly without requiring additional software. NodeJS, developed by Ryan Dahl, and introduced in 2009 as a JavaScript runtime environment rather than a traditional web server. It is written in JavaScript and C++.

Event-driven, non-blocking architecture.
Highly efficient for real-time applications.
Uses JavaScript for both client-side and server-side development.

7. Lighttpd

Lighttpd was developed by Jan Kneschke, and released in 2003 as a lightweight and fast web server. It is written in C and is available as an open-source project under the BSD License. Lighttpd is a cross-platform web server, running on Windows, Linux, and macOS.

It is optimized for low memory usage and high-speed performance, making it ideal for servers with limited resources.
Uses asynchronous request handling, which improves efficiency and scalability for handling multiple connections.
Supports HTTPS, FastCGI, and URL rewriting, making it a secure and efficient choice for web hosting.

8. OpenLiteSpeed

OpenLiteSpeed was developed by LiteSpeed Technologies, and launched in 2013 as the open-source version of LiteSpeed Web Server. It is written in C and is available under the GPLv3 License. It is cross-platform, supporting Windows, Linux, and macOS. OpenLiteSpeed offers built-in caching, HTTP/3 support, and high-performance optimizations, making it an excellent choice for developers looking for a free alternative to LiteSpeed.

Provides fast processing speeds with built-in caching and event-driven architecture, improving website loading times.
Supports modern web protocols for faster and more secure communication between clients and servers.
Offers an easy-to-use interface for configuring server settings, making management simpler.

9. Jigsaw Server

Jigsaw Server was developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), and first released in 1996 as a research-based web server. Jigsaw is written in Java and is open-source. It is designed for testing and developing new web standards, rather than being used for mainstream web hosting.

Jigsaw is cross-platform, running on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Allows users to extend and modify its functionality easily, making it flexible for research and development.
Fully supports HTTP/1.1 and is designed for experimenting with new web technologies.

10. Sun Java System Web Server

The Sun Java System Web Server was developed by Sun Microsystems, and released in 1996 as a web server optimized for Java applications. It was written in C and C++. After Oracle acquired Sun Microsystems, the development of this web server was discontinued.

Designed specifically for hosting Java-based enterprise applications, ensuring seamless integration.
Handles high traffic efficiently, making it suitable for large-scale applications.
Supports multiple operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and Solaris, for flexible deployment.

Which Web Server Should You Use and When?

Choosing the right web server depends on what you need for your website or application. Here’s a simple guide to help you decide:

Use Apache: If you want a reliable and customizable web server that works on almost any system. It’s great for general websites and supports many features.
Use Nginx: If your website gets a lot of visitors and you need a fast and efficient server that can handle high traffic smoothly.
Use IIS: If you are using Windows-based applications and need a server that works well with Microsoft technologies like ASP.NET.
Use LiteSpeed: If you want a faster and more secure alternative to Apache, especially for WordPress or other PHP-based websites.
Use Apache Tomcat: If your website or app is built with Java and you need a server that supports Java Servlets and JSP (Java Server Pages).
Use NodeJS: If you’re building real-time applications, such as chat apps or online games, and want to use JavaScript for both frontend and backend.
Use Lighttpd: If you need a lightweight and fast server that works well on systems with low memory or limited resources.
Use OpenLiteSpeed: If you want a free version of LiteSpeed that still offers great speed and performance.
Use Jigsaw: If you are a developer or researcher testing new web technologies and standards.
Use Sun Java System Web Server: If you are working with older Java applications, but note that this server is no longer supported.

Web Server and Its Type – FAQs

What is the main difference between Apache and Nginx?

Apache is more flexible and feature-rich but is often slower under high traffic. Nginx is known for its speed and ability to handle many concurrent connections efficiently.

Can I use multiple web servers for my website?

Yes, many websites use a combination of web servers, such as using Nginx as a reverse proxy for Apache to handle static and dynamic content more efficiently.

Which web server is best for a small business?

Apache or Nginx would be ideal for small businesses due to their cost-effectiveness and ability to handle moderate traffic loads.

What is SSL, and do all web servers support it?

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a protocol for encrypting data between the server and the client. Most modern web servers, including Apache, Nginx, and IIS, support SSL encryption.

Is Tomcat only for Java-based applications?

Yes, Tomcat is designed to handle Java-based applications, specifically Servlets and JSPs. It is not typically used for general web hosting.

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