A server is a computer or program that provides resources, data, or services to other machines called clients. Servers power most of the internet, handling tasks such as processing requests, storing data, and running applications. They operate continuously and are optimized for reliability, performance, and scalability. Servers run backend logic, connect to databases, and expose APIs that clients consume. A single physical machine may run multiple virtual servers or containers. Servers can exist in data centers, cloud platforms, or local development environments.
how it works
A server listens on a network port for incoming requests. When a request arrives, the server parses it, executes logic, retrieves or modifies data, and returns a response. The server’s behavior depends on its runtime environment, frameworks, and configuration. Servers rely on the operating system for managing processes, scheduling, and networking. Load balancers distribute traffic across multiple servers to improve reliability and reduce latency. Understanding server architecture helps developers build scalable, fault tolerant systems.