Open Source Web Server

An open source web server is a public-domain software designed to deliver web pages over the World Wide Web. Like proprietary web server software, it runs on a computer that is connected to the internet uniquely identified by an IP address. A server hosting a website receives URL requests for a resource or web page from clients using their browser. It looks for the webpage from its directory, fetches it, and sends the webpage over to the client’s browser. If unable to find the resource, it sends an error message instead. Communication between the client and server is facilitated using hypertext transfer protocol (http) or its secure version, https.

The source code of open source web servers can be viewed, copied, altered, and shared without charge by accepting the terms of its license. Terms can vary from software to software, but open source licenses generally grant users permission to use the software for any purpose. Open source web servers are commercial-grade servers that can be used by an individual, a group of people, or a whole organization. It can host multiple websites and provide directories for static and dynamic web content. Open source web servers can also include some or all of the following features:

  • Support file uploads and downloads using file transfer protocol (ftp)
  • Save user input submitted in web forms
  • Temporary storage or cache of web documents
  • Software-based load balancer for web traffic
  • Act as reverse proxy server
  • Proxy for an email server
  • Serves as a CGI and API gateway
  • Provide security features, for example, against DDoS attack
  • Optimize hardware resources
  • Support other communication protocols

According to recent surveys of web server market share, the top two open source web servers are Apache web server and Nginx, whose combined shares capture more than 65 percent. Microsoft’s proprietary IIS web server comes next, followed by another commercial enterprise product from LiteSpeed Technologies. However, the same company offers an open source web server version called OpenLiteSpeed.

Webopedia Staff
Webopedia Staff
Since 1995, more than 100 tech experts and researchers have kept Webopedia’s definitions, articles, and study guides up to date. For more information on current editorial staff, please visit our About page.
Get the Free Newsletter
Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis
This email address is invalid.
Get the Free Newsletter
Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis
This email address is invalid.

Related Articles

Embedded Analytics

Embedded analytics brings self-service business intelligence to everyday application users.

HRIS

Human resources information system (HRIS) solutions help businesses manage multiple facets of their workforce operations. They provide a central platform for human resources professionals...

Complete List of Cybersecurity Acronyms

Cybersecurity news and best practices are full of acronyms and abbreviations. Without understanding what each one means, it's difficult to comprehend the significance of...

Human Resources Management System

A Human Resources Management System (HRMS) is a software application that supports many functions of a company's Human Resources department, including benefits administration, payroll,...

ScalaHosting

ScalaHosting is a leading managed hosting provider that offers secure, scalable, and affordable...

HRIS

Human resources information system (HRIS) solutions help businesses manage multiple facets of their...

Best Managed Service Providers...

In today's business world, managed services are more critical than ever. They can...