The Web And How It Works👨‍💻🕸

I have divided this article titled "How the web works" into 5(five) strong and self explanatory points.

As a developer, knowing about the web and how it actually works is a must-know, a detail that you and I tend to underrate. Later in our journey, we find ourselves wanting, mostly during interviews where interviewers will ask a simple question about how the web works, and we end up not being able to answer. Say no to that situation today. Do not wait until it happens to you before you come and read this article from head to toe. Do it now and save yourself tomorrow. How the web works is actually one part of web development that every web developer or someone who wants to learn web development must know or have a fair idea about even before they start to learn HTML. You know what, without wasting much time, let's get right into it.

1.How the internet works.

You take your phone and search or open an app, and immediately you are connected to the world, starting to retrieve/receive information and connect with other devices. Now, for devices to be connected and communicate effectively, it's been done by what we call the network switch, which can also connect with other network switches, making devices connect with each other successfully.

Let's dig deeper. You open a website and expect to interact with it, right? Or probably you opened a video streaming site on your device and were expecting to either create a video, see a video, or maybe receive a video from another device mostly having a video interaction with other people as well. All of this is being done by what we call the server, and obviously, you become the client here, expecting something in return.

The bigger picture here is this interconnection that is taking place, which we all know to be the internet. You wanted to have a video call with a friend in another country or continent so you called. Happily, she picked up, and you both had the video call, spoke to each other successfully, and this is exactly what I am talking about—the internet. This video data travels through large undersea cables connecting the world's networks. These cables can transfer huge volumes of data per second across-the-world making it possible for you to have the video call with your friend.
In conclusion, the internet serves as the invisible thread weaving our digital world together, connecting devices, servers, and individuals across the globe. From the seamless exchange of information to the joy of interacting with others world wide.

2.What is a web server and how does it work?

A server is a computer dedicated to serving other computers with specific information or content, and the users of these served computers are referred to as clients. The sever is typically located in data centers housing numerous servers, severs exhibit variations based on their intended functions. For instance, a server designed for storing videos or images might prioritize huge hard drive space, while one engaged in complex calculations might emphasize a fast processor. This underscores the importance of checking a computer's specifications before purchase.

Turning our attention to the hardware aspect, once the hardware of a server is installed in a data center, the servers require a piece of code to run—the software. Notably, the flexibility of software allows for easy modifications, where you can actually change your code and expect it to have a change on the sever yes that's the software for you it is very flexible as compared to the hardware which is difficult to make changes specifically a part of it since it is physical and complex.

Now, considering the web server, it fulfills various roles, including website storage and administration, as well as data storage and security. A primary function of the web server is handling web requests. Imagine opening your device's browser, typing a website's name, and promptly accessing its content. This direct delivery of website content is been done by the web server, bringing us to the concept of the request cycle.

In the context of the web server, the request cycle deals with the seamless process by which users access web content through their browsers. This dynamic interplay between hardware and software within the server ensures a smooth and efficient user experience.

3.What is web browser and how does it works?

A web browser, or simply a browser, is a software application designed for navigating the World Wide Web. Its functionality revolves around sending requests to web servers and receiving responses containing the content to be displayed on the user's device screen. Upon opening the browser, users encounter an address bar where they input the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) of the desired website.

The URL typically comprises the HTTP or other protocols, the domain name (often the website's name), and the file path or specific page location. By entering the website's name in the address bar, the browser initiates communication with the server, requesting a response. Once the browser receives and processes the server's response, it promptly displays the content on the user's device screen. This seamless interaction constitutes the request-response cycle, making the process straightforward and user-friendly.

In essence, the web browser serves as the gateway to the vast expanse of the internet, facilitating user access to diverse online content through a simple and efficient request-response mechanism.

4.Website and web pages

A website is like a virtual space on the internet where information is stored and organized for people to access. It's similar to a book with many pages, but instead of physical pages, a website contains digital pages that you can view on your computer or device. Websites are created for various purposes, such as sharing information, selling products, or connecting with others. When you want to visit a website, you type its address into your web browser, and it takes you to that specific online location.

Now, think of webpages as the individual pages of a book within the website. Each webpage is like a single document or screen that you see on your device. It can contain text, images, videos, or interactive elements. When you click on different links or buttons on a website, you're essentially moving from one webpage to another. Webpages work together to make up the entire website, allowing you to explore and navigate through the content.

In summary, a website is a collection of digital information organized on the internet, and webpages are the individual screens or documents within that collection. When you visit a website, you're essentially moving between these digital pages to find the information or content you're looking for.

5.Web hosting

Web hosting is like renting a space on the internet to store and display your website. Imagine your website as a house, and web hosting is the plot of land where you build it. When you create a website, you need a place to store all the files, images, and content that make up your site. Web hosting provides that space, allowing people from around the world to access your website at any time.

In simpler terms, web hosting is a service that stores your website's information on special computers called servers. These servers are connected to the internet, and when someone types your website's address into their browser, the hosting server delivers the requested information to their device. It's like having a reliable and secure home for your website, making it accessible to visitors 24/7.

So, web hosting is essentially the online space you rent to make your website available to others. It's the foundation that allows your website to exist on the internet and be accessible to people searching for your content or services.

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