Media Server
A media server is a software platform or hardware device that stores, organizes, and streams digital media content (such as audio, video, and images) over a network to various client devices. It enables centralized management of media libraries and supports protocols like DLNA, UPnP, or proprietary systems for playback on TVs, smartphones, and computers. Common examples include Plex, Jellyfin, and Emby, which provide features like transcoding, metadata fetching, and remote access.
Developers should learn about media servers when building applications for home entertainment, content distribution, or IoT ecosystems, as they handle complex tasks like media encoding, streaming optimization, and cross-device compatibility. They are essential for projects involving video-on-demand platforms, smart home integrations, or any system requiring efficient media delivery over networks, reducing the need to reinvent streaming logic from scratch.