What is it?
A server provides data, applications, or services to clients.
Backend applications commonly run on servers and listen for incoming requests.
Simple Definition:
A server is where backend software runs and responds to requests.
PART IV · BACKEND
Server
A computer or software environment that receives requests and provides services to other systems.
Think of it like...
Think of a service desk.
Clients send requests to the desk.
The server receives them and passes them to the correct application logic.
Flow:
ClientServerBackend ApplicationResponse
What does it do?
A server can:
Receive Network Requests
Run Backend Applications
Host APIs
Access Databases
Serve Files
Connect to Other Services
Where is it used?
Servers are used for:
Web Applications
Backend APIs
Business Systems
Databases
Cloud Services
File Services
Example
Flow:
BrowserHTTPS RequestServerFastAPI ApplicationRouteResponse
How it connects
Flow:
ClientServerBackendBusiness LogicDatabase
Do Not Confuse
Server
The computing environment.
Backend
The software logic running on that environment.
Server = Where it runs
Backend = What runs there
Topic Glossary
| ENGLISH TERM | 中文 | SIMPLE ENGLISH | 中文小白理解 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server | 服务器 | A system that provides services to clients. | 接收其他系统请求并提供服务的计算环境。 |
| Client | 客户端 | A system that sends requests to a server. | 向服务器发送请求的一端。 |
| Backend Application | 后端应用 | Software running on the server. | 运行在服务器上、负责业务处理的程序。 |
| Host | 主机 | A machine or environment running software. | 承载程序运行的计算机或运行环境。 |
| Port | 端口 | A numbered network access point used by software. | 网络中程序对外提供服务时使用的编号入口。 |
| Process | 进程 | A running instance of a program. | 程序真正运行起来后的执行实例。 |
| Request | 请求 | A message sent by a client to a server. | 客户端发送给服务器的操作请求。 |
| Response | 响应 | A result returned by the server. | 服务器处理请求后返回的结果。 |
What to Remember
Servers provide computing environments for backend software.
Clients send requests to servers.
A backend application may run as one or more processes on a server.