Server

What is a server?

1. A server is a hardware device or software that process the request sent by the client through a network and replies or response to them
2. Client is a device that sends the request and wait for the response from the server
3. Multiple clients can be served by a single server, and a single client can use multiple servers.
4. These machines run on a client-server model, where clients request specific services or resources, and the server fulfills these requests.

client-server model is not the only model but most commonly used

• Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Model
• Distributed Systems
• Microservices Architecture
• Serverless Architecture
• Hybrid Models are some of the other server models

What does a server do?

Data storage and retrieval
One of the primary function of server is to store and manage data
data of anytype like documents, media files most common response format is JSON(JavaScript Object Notation)

Website hosting
When you browse the internet, the web pages you access are typically hosted on web servers. These servers store the website’s files and deliver them to your web browser when you request a page.

Email services
Email servers manage the flow of electronic messages. They receive, store, and distribute emails to their intended recipients. Additionally, they handle tasks such as spam filtering and user authentication.

Application hosting
Many applications and software services are hosted on servers rather than running on individual devices. These servers provide the necessary computing power and resources to run applications

File sharing
Stores and lets users share files over a network, Authorization can be implemented to avoid breach of sensitive data.

Database Server
Provides database access and handles queries
following are some database servers

• MySQL
• PostgreSQL
• Oracle Database
• Microsoft SQL Server
• MongoDB

Game Server
Hosts online multiplayer games and syncs game data between players

Why are servers important?

• Without server internet might be of no use because server plays the major role in shaping how we communicate, access information, conduct business, and store data.
• Every websites, mobile application, streaming platform, business Application or socail media utilize servers to host, store data, to store media files or even to authenticate users

Referred in geekforgeeks.org & serverwatch.com