What is a web server and how does it work?

A web server is a computer program or software that serves as the backbone of the World Wide Web. It is responsible for hosting websites and delivering web pages to users upon request.

When a user types a website's URL into their web browser, the browser sends a request to the web server hosting that website. The web server then processes the request, retrieves the requested web page and its associated files (such as images, videos, or scripts), and sends them back to the user's browser. This process is known as the client-server model.

Web servers use the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) to communicate with web browsers. They can handle multiple requests simultaneously, allowing multiple users to access the same website at the same time. Web servers also support various technologies and programming languages, such as PHP, Python, or Java, to dynamically generate web pages or interact with databases.

Overall, a web server acts as the intermediary between users and websites, facilitating the delivery of web content and enabling users to access and interact with websites on the internet.