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Difference between Web Server and Web Application
In this article, you’ll learn about the difference between Web Server and Web Application
A Server is a central place where information and programs are stored and accessed by applications over the network. A web server is a server that accepts a request for data and sends the relevant document in return whereas an Application Server contains an EJB container component as well to run the enterprise applications.
In Simple Terms:
Think of a restaurant:
- The web server is like the waiter. It takes your order (HTTP request for a webpage) and brings you the pre-made menu (static files like HTML and images).
- The web application is like the chef and the kitchen. When your order requires something more complex than just a pre-made item (like submitting a form, searching for a product, or making a transaction), the waiter (web server) sends the request to the kitchen (web application). The chef (application logic) processes the request, might interact with the pantry (database), and then prepares a customized dish (dynamic content) that the waiter then brings back to you.
Following are the important differences between Web Server and Application Server.
| S.No. | Web Server | Application Server |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Web server encompasses web container only. | While application server encompasses Web container as well as the EJB container. |
| 2 | Web server is useful or fitted for static content. | Whereas the application server is fitted for dynamic content. |
| 3 | Web server consumes or utilizes fewer resources. | While application servers utilize more resources. |
| 4 | Web servers arrange the run environment for web applications | While application servers arrange the run environment for enterprises applications. |
| 5 | In web servers, multithreading is not supported. | While in the application server, multithreading is supported. |
| 6 | Web server’s capacity is lower than application server. | While the application server’s capacity is higher than web server. |
| 7 | In the web servers, HTML and HTTP protocols are used. | While in this, GUI, as well as HTTP and RPC/RMI protocols, are used. |
