What is Web and Application Servers?

Web and application servers are fundamental software components in modern web architecture. A web server primarily handles HTTP requests from clients (like web browsers), serving static content such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images, and videos. Examples include Apache HTTP Server and Nginx. An application server, on the other hand, provides a more comprehensive environment for running and managing web applications. It typically supports dynamic content generation, database connectivity, transaction management, and other application-specific logic. Examples include Apache Tomcat, JBoss EAP, and Microsoft IIS. They are commonly used to host websites, web applications, and APIs, enabling users to access and interact with online services.