What is the primary role of a web server?

The primary role of a web server is to store, process, and deliver web pages to clients. When a user requests a web page by inputting a URL in their browser, the web server receives that request, processes it, and serves the appropriate web page, which may include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and multimedia content. This process typically involves retrieving files from the server's storage, possibly executing server-side scripts to generate dynamic content, and sending the data back to the client’s browser for rendering.

This function is essential for the operation of most websites, as it enables the proper delivery of content to users accessing the internet. Understanding the role of web servers helps clarify how user requests are translated into accessible web pages. Other potential roles, such as handling client-side scripting, database management, or operating system tasks, are not within the primary functions of a web server, emphasizing its core focus on serving web content.