A web server transmits documents to clients and consists of software and hardware. Web servers can be used locally (in company networks) or mainly via the Internet, which in turn makes the documents available locally, within the company or worldwide.
The function of a web server involves displaying page content by storing, processing and making web pages available. They are used for web hosting and hosting data for websites and applications. Web servers support HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) and FTP (File Transfer Protocol). Data exchange with other connected devices is made possible by the hardware, which is connected to the Internet. The software controls user access to the hosted files.
This process can be categorized in the client-server model. Web servers are a fundamental component of the World Wide Web and enable the provision of content that can be accessed by people worldwide.