What is the function of a web server?

The function of a web server is to serve web content. This encompasses delivering HTML pages, images, videos, and other files to a user's browser upon request. When a client (usually a web browser) sends a request to the server, it processes that request and returns the relevant content, which the client then displays to the user. This fundamental role is crucial for the operation of websites and web applications, as it enables users to access information and interact with various online services seamlessly.

In contrast, while managing databases involves storing and retrieving data, this function typically pertains to database servers, not web servers. Securing network connections is primarily the job of security protocols and firewall systems, which protect the data being transmitted over a network rather than serving content itself. Performing user analysis involves tracking user behavior and engagement metrics, usually executed by analytics tools rather than the web server itself. Thus, the specific capability of the web server is to handle and serve web content directly to users on the internet.