Difference between a Web Server and an Application Server

When it comes to hosting and serving web applications, understanding the difference between a web server and an application server is crucial. Below are the key distinctions:

Web Server:

• Primarily designed to serve static content like HTML, CSS, and image files to users' web browsers.
• Manages HTTP requests and responses, handling tasks such as routing, caching, and load balancing.
• Common web servers include Apache, Nginx, and Microsoft IIS.
• Typically used for simpler websites without advanced functionalities or dynamic content processing.

Application Server:

• Specialized in executing business logic and dynamic content generation for web applications.
• Supports additional protocols beyond HTTP, such as database connectivity, transaction processing, and messaging services.
• Integrates with web servers to process complex application code written in various programming languages.
• Examples of application servers are Tomcat, JBoss, and WebSphere.

Ultimately, while web servers focus on serving static content efficiently, application servers handle the dynamic and business logic aspects of web applications.