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What are Web Application Servers and Application Servers?
In the rapidly evolving field of technology, terms like “Web Application Server” and “Application Server” are frequently used. But what do these terms actually mean? In this blog post, we will explore and provide a simplified explanation of these concepts used in the IT industry.
Web Application Server
A Web Application Server, also known as a Web Server, is a specialized software that handles the delivery of web pages and applications to clients over the internet. It acts as an intermediary between the client’s web browser and the server hosting the requested web application.
When a user interacts with a web application, the client’s browser sends a request to the Web Application Server. This server then processes the request, retrieves the necessary data from a database or other sources, and generates the response to be displayed on the user’s browser.
The Web Application Server is responsible for various tasks such as managing user sessions, handling security protocols, and executing other server-side operations. It ensures that the web application’s functionalities are properly executed and delivered to the end-users.
Application Server
An Application Server, also referred to as an Enterprise Application Server, is a software framework that provides a runtime environment for deploying and executing server-side business applications. It offers a comprehensive platform for developers to build, deploy, and manage complex enterprise applications.
Application Servers provide numerous features and services that facilitate the development and deployment of enterprise-level applications. These features may include database connectivity, messaging systems, transaction management, scalability, and load balancing capabilities.
Moreover, Application Servers are designed to handle multiple clients simultaneously, ensuring efficient and reliable execution of application logic. They offer an environment that enables communication between various components of an application, making it easier for developers to create scalable and distributed systems.
Key Differences
While both Web Application Servers and Application Servers serve as intermediaries between clients and the server, they have a distinct focus and purpose. Web Application Servers primarily handle the delivery of web pages and applications over the internet, while Application Servers provide a runtime environment for developing and executing server-side business applications.
In summary, Web Application Servers specialize in web delivery, managing user sessions, and overall web application execution. On the other hand, Application Servers focus on providing a comprehensive framework for enterprise-level applications, offering features for database connectivity, messaging systems, and more.
Understanding the differences between these two types of servers is crucial for developers, administrators, and anyone involved in the IT industry. It helps in selecting and utilizing the appropriate server technologies for different types of applications, ensuring optimal performance, security, and scalability.
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