What Is the Web and How It Works

When you open a website, your browser communicates with a server.

A browser is the application you use to access websites. A server is a machine that stores data and sends it when requested.

This communication is based on a simple concept: request and response.

How It Works

1. Your browser sends a request when you enter a URL;
2. The server processes the request and prepares the data;
3. The server sends a response back;
4. Your browser displays the result as a webpage.

How a Page Is Loaded

When you open a website, the browser does more than just load a single file.

• The browser requests the main HTML file;
• The server returns the HTML;
• The browser requests additional files like CSS and JavaScript;
• The server sends those files;
• The browser combines everything and renders the page.

This all happens in milliseconds, giving you a complete website on the screen.