Windows Services
Windows Services are long-running executable applications that run in the background on Windows operating systems, typically without a user interface. They are managed by the Service Control Manager (SCM) and can be configured to start automatically at system boot, run under specific user accounts, and be controlled via standard commands like start, stop, pause, and resume. These services are essential for system functionality, such as handling network connections, managing hardware, or performing scheduled tasks.
Developers should learn Windows Services when building applications that need to run continuously in the background on Windows, such as server processes, monitoring tools, or automation scripts. They are particularly useful for enterprise environments where reliable, unattended operation is required, such as in web servers (e.g., IIS), database servers, or custom daemons that handle system-level tasks without user intervention.