In the world of information technology, an application server is a software program that provides a platform for running applications. This software allows applications to run on a server, so they can be accessed and executed by remote clients. Application server software acts as an intermediary between the client and the server, providing a framework for running application code and managing the underlying resources necessary to run the application.
An example of an application server is the Java Application Server, which is a software platform used for building and deploying enterprise applications. This server provides a set of services for running Java-based applications, such as the ability to manage transactions, handle requests, and manage data persistence. The Java Application Server is used in many industries, including finance, healthcare, and retail, where large-scale applications are needed to manage business operations.
An application server is a type of server that runs applications, which can be accessed and executed by remote clients. There are different types of servers used in information technology, including file servers, database servers, and web servers. However, an application server is different from these other types of servers because it is designed specifically for running applications.
Common applications for servers include hosting websites, running web applications, managing databases, and running enterprise applications. Web servers are used to host and serve websites, while application servers are used to run web applications and enterprise applications. Database servers are used to manage and store data, which can be accessed by applications or other servers.
An application server is different from a web server in that it provides a platform for running applications, while a web server is used specifically for hosting and serving websites. Web servers are designed to handle requests for static web pages and files, while application servers are used to run dynamic web applications that require server-side processing.
For example, if you visit a website that allows you to search for products or services, the web server will handle your request and return a page with the search results. However, if you use a web application that allows you to book a flight or make a reservation, the application server will handle the request and provide the necessary functionality to process your request.
Another difference between an application server and a web server is the level of abstraction they provide. A web server provides a low-level abstraction, handling requests for static resources and returning HTML pages to the client. An application server provides a higher-level abstraction, allowing developers to focus on building applications without worrying about the underlying infrastructure required to run the application.
In summary, an application server is a software program that provides a platform for running applications. It is designed specifically for running applications and provides a higher-level abstraction than a web server, allowing developers to focus on building applications without worrying about the underlying infrastructure. Common applications for servers include hosting websites, running web applications, managing databases, and running enterprise applications. An example of an application server is the Java Application Server, which is used in many industries to manage large-scale enterprise applications.