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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Web Server and Web Browser?

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The main difference between a web browser and a web server lies in their functions and purposes.

A web browser is an application software used for browsing and displaying web pages on the internet. Examples of web browsers include Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Mozilla Firefox. Browsers request web documents and services from web servers, which are then displayed to the user.

A web server, on the other hand, is a software or computer that provides various services and web documents to clients (i.e., web browsers). When a browser requests a web page, the web server accepts, approves, and responds to the request, sending the web content back to the browser. If the server cannot find the requested page, it sends an error message (e.g., Error 404 – page not found) to the browser. Web servers host websites and their supporting files, making them accessible to users through their browsers.

In summary:

  • A web browser is a user-facing application that requests and displays web pages from web servers.
  • A web server is a software or computer that hosts websites and provides web documents and services to web browsers.
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  • What is the Difference Between Web Server and Web Browser?
  • Comparative Table: Web Server vs Web Browser

    • Comparative Table: Web Server vs Web Browser

    Here is a table that highlights the differences between a web browser and a web server:

    Parameter Web Browser Web Server
    Definition A web browser is a software application used to browse and display web pages on the internet. A web server is a software or computer that hosts websites, processes web requests, and sends the requested documents to the client.
    Purpose Web browsers are used for browsing and displaying web pages, making requests for web services and documents to web servers. They act as an interface between the server and the client. Web servers are responsible for hosting websites, processing web requests, and sending the demanded documents to the client.
    HTTP Requests Web browsers send HTTP requests to web servers. Web servers receive HTTP requests and send HTTP responses.
    Processing Models Web browsers do not have any processing models. Web servers have three types of processing models: Process-based, Thread-based, and Hybrid.
    Data Storage Web browsers store user data in cookies on the local machine. Web servers provide an area to store and organize the pages of the website.
    Installation Web browsers are installed on the user's machine. Web servers can be installed anywhere but need to be on a network or on a local computer.
    Acts As Web browsers act as an interface between the server and the client. Web servers act as a host for websites and process web requests.
    Examples Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer. Apache Server.

    In summary, web browsers are application software used to browse and display web pages on the internet, while web servers are responsible for hosting websites, processing web requests, and sending the requested documents to the client.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.