Web Server
A web server is a software application or hardware system that serves content, such as web pages, to clients over the internet or a network using protocols like HTTP or HTTPS. It processes incoming requests from web browsers or other clients and delivers responses, which can include static files (e.g., HTML, CSS, images) or dynamic content generated by applications. Common functions include handling connections, managing security, and optimizing performance for web traffic.
Developers should learn and use web servers to deploy and host web applications, ensuring reliable and scalable delivery of content to users. It is essential for building production-ready websites, APIs, and services, as it handles critical tasks like load balancing, SSL/TLS encryption, and caching. Use cases include hosting static sites, serving dynamic applications (e.g., with Node.js or Python backends), and managing server-side logic in web development workflows.