### Application Server vs Web Server
An application server and a web server serve different purposes but often work
together in modern IT architectures.
#### **Web Server:**
- Serves static content (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).
- Handles simple HTTP requests (e.g., GET, POST).
- Does not process dynamic logic on the server side.
- Examples: **Apache HTTP Server, Nginx, Microsoft IIS**.
#### **Application Server:**
- Processes business logic and executes backend code.
- Handles dynamic requests and interacts with databases.
- Manages sessions, authentication, and data transactions.
- Examples: **Apache Tomcat, WildFly (JBoss), Node.js, WebSphere**.
#### **How They Work Together:**
1. The **web server** receives the request and serves static content.
2. If complex processing is required, the **web server forwards the request** to
the **application server**.
3. The **application server** executes backend logic and queries databases.
4. The **processed response** is sent back to the web server and delivered to the
user.
#### Combined Solutions:
Some platforms integrate both functionalities, such as **Microsoft IIS** (supports
ASP.NET applications) and **Tomcat with Nginx**.