Understanding Web Servers: Part 1

Most of us are confused with what web server really does. Sometimes, we also get confused with what languages we should use. This post will help you understand more about servers.

The main purpose of a web server is: A Web Server takes a request from a client and gives a response.

A client can be a human being or a browser such as Mozilla, IE, Chrome Etc. Before we start, here is a diagram showing the main purpose of a web server.

REQUEST

Request: A request could be an image, PDF File file or even an html page.













A request can have several methods. But the most commonly used are GET and POST.
GET: The simplest HTTP method which job is to ask the server to get a resource and send it back.

POST: More powerful than GET. You can request resources, and at the same time send data to the server. It's like GET + data sending capabilities.


RESPONSE
Response: Contains the actual document requested by the client. (Or error codes if the request cannot be processed.)

Image sources: Headfirst JSP and Servlets Book

Part 2: http://sandsations.blogspot.hk/2012/08/understanding-web-servers-part-2.html