Can you explain the role of an application server in a web application architecture and discuss the key features that differentiate application servers from web servers?

Understanding the Role of an Application Server in Web Application Architecture

An application server plays a critical role in the architecture of a web application by managing and executing the business logic of the application. This server facilitates the interaction between the user interface, database, and other components of the application, ensuring smooth communication and data processing.

Key Features Differentiating Application Servers from Web Servers:

• Advanced Processing Capabilities: Application servers are designed to handle complex business logic and transactions, while web servers are primarily focused on serving static content.
• Support for Application Components: Application servers support various application components such as EJBs, servlets, and JSPs, providing a platform for developing and deploying dynamic applications.
• Integration with Database Systems: Application servers facilitate seamless integration with databases, allowing for efficient data retrieval and storage operations.
• Transaction Management: They offer built-in support for managing transactions, ensuring data integrity and consistency across multiple operations.
• Scalability and Load Balancing: Application servers are equipped with features for scaling the application and distributing the workload across multiple servers to handle increased traffic.

Overall, the application server acts as the backbone of a web application, providing the necessary infrastructure and capabilities to support the execution of dynamic and interactive functionalities.

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