askvity

How Does the Web Work?

Published in Web Architecture 3 mins read

The web works by a series of interconnected steps that allow you to view websites on your computer or mobile device. Let's break it down:

The Process of Accessing a Website

Imagine wanting to visit a shop. Here's how accessing a website is similar:

  1. Finding the Shop's Address (DNS Lookup):

    • You type a website address (like www.example.com) into your browser's address bar.
    • Your browser doesn't directly understand the words; it needs a numerical address, like a street address for a shop.
    • The browser contacts a DNS (Domain Name System) server, which is like a phone book for the internet.
    • The DNS server looks up the website address you entered and provides your browser with the real address of the server where the website lives. This is the equivalent of finding the street address of the shop you want to visit. The reference states, "The browser goes to the DNS server, and finds the real address of the server that the website lives on".

  2. Ordering Your Goods (HTTP Request):

    • Now that your browser knows the address, it sends an HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) request message to the website's server.
    • This request is like ordering goods from the shop. It asks the server to send a copy of the website data back to your computer.
    • The reference states, "The browser sends an HTTP request message to the server, asking it to send a copy of the website to the client."

  3. Receiving the Goods (HTTP Response):

  • The server receives the request and sends back an HTTP response, which includes all the website's content.
  • This content contains the HTML code, images, styles, and other resources needed to display the website correctly in your browser.
  • It's like the shop delivering your ordered goods to you.
  1. Displaying the Website (Browser Rendering):
  • Your browser receives the response and uses the included content, and information, to display the website on your screen.
  • It's like you receiving the ordered goods and setting them up in your house.

Simplified Analogy

Action Web Process Analogy
Type the address Enter Website URL Decide on which store to go
Find the real address DNS Lookup Search on google maps
Request the website Send HTTP Request Message Go to store and request goods
Receive website content Receive HTTP Response (HTML, images, etc.) Get the goods
View the website Browser Rendering Set up the goods at home

Key Technologies

  • Browser: Software you use to view websites (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari).
  • DNS (Domain Name System): The phonebook of the internet.
  • HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): The communication protocol used for transferring web data.
  • Server: Computer that stores and delivers websites.
  • HTML, CSS, JavaScript: The languages used to create websites.

Conclusion

The web functions through a structured process of address lookup (DNS), content request (HTTP), and display, facilitated by various technologies working together seamlessly. This process allows users to access and interact with information hosted on servers globally using their web browsers.

Related Articles