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Web Servers and Databases Overview

Web technology and database design
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
33 views7 pages

Web Servers and Databases Overview

Web technology and database design
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Introduction to Web servers & Server Products

Overview
Web server is a computer where the web content is stored.
Basically web server is used to host the web sites but there exists
other web servers also such as gaming, storage, FTP, email etc.
Web site is collection of web pages whileweb server is a
software that respond to the request for web resources.
Web Server Working
Web server respond to the client request in either of the
following two ways:
 Sending the file to the client associated with the requested
URL.
 Generating response by invoking a script and
communicating with database
Key Points
 When client sends request for a web page, the web server
search for the requested page if requested page is found then it
will send it to client with an HTTP response.
 If the requested web page is not found, web server will the
send an HTTP response:Error 404 Not found.
 If client has requested for some other resources then the
web server will contact to the application server and data store
to construct the HTTP response.
Architecture
Web Server Architecture follows the following two approaches:
1. Concurrent Approach
2. Single-Process-Event-Driven Approach.
Concurrent Approach
Concurrent approach allows the web server to handle multiple
client requests at the same time. It can be achieved by following
methods:
 Multi-process
 Multi-threaded
 Hybrid method.
Multi-processing
In this a single process (parent process) initiates several single-
threaded child processes and distribute incoming requests to
these child processes. Each of the child processes are
responsible for handling single request.
It is the responsibility of parent process to monitor the load and
decide if processes should be killed or forked.
Multi-threaded
Unlike Multi-process, it creates multiple single-threaded
process.
Hybrid
It is combination of above two approaches. In this approach
multiple process are created and each process initiates multiple
threads. Each of the threads handles one connection. Using
multiple threads in single process results in less load on system
resources.
Examples
Following table describes the most leading web servers available
today:
S.N. Web Server Descriptinon
1 Apache HTTP Server
This is the most popular web server in the world developed
by the Apache Software Foundation. Apache web server is
an open source software and can be installed on almost all
operating systems including Linux, UNIX, Windows,
FreeBSD, Mac OS X and more. About 60% of the web
server machines run the Apache Web Server.
2. Internet Information Services (IIS)
The Internet Information Server (IIS) is a high
performance Web Server from Microsoft. This web server
runs on Windows NT/2000 and 2003 platforms (and may
be on upcoming new Windows version also). IIS comes
bundled with Windows NT/2000 and 2003; Because IIS is
tightly integrated with the operating system so it is
relatively easy to administer it.
3. Lighttpd
The lighttpd, pronounced lighty is also a free web server
that is distributed with the FreeBSD operating system. This
open source web server is fast, secure and consumes much
less CPU power. Lighttpd can also run on Windows, Mac
OS X, Linux and Solaris operating systems.
4. Sun Java System Web Server
This web server from Sun Microsystems is suited for
medium and large web sites. Though the server is free it is
not open source. It however, runs on Windows, Linux and
UNIX platforms. The Sun Java System web server
supports various languages, scripts and technologies
required for Web 2.0 such as JSP, Java Servlets, PHP, Perl,
Python, and Ruby on Rails, ASP and Coldfusion etc.
5. Jigsaw Server
Jigsaw (W3C's Server) comes from the World Wide Web
Consortium. It is open source and free and can run on
various platforms like Linux, UNIX, Windows, and Mac
OS X Free BSD etc. Jigsaw has been written in Java and
can run CGI scripts and PHP programs.

Introduction to database: MYSQL, MS ACCESS,


Pharmacy Drug Database

Database refers to a collection of electronic records that could be


processed to produce useful information. A database is an organized
collection of data, generally stored and accessed electronically from a
computer system. Where databases are more complex they are often
developed using formal design and modeling techniques. The data can
be accessed, modified, managed, controlled and organized to perform
various data-processing operations.

The data is typically indexed across rows, columns and tables that
make workload processing and data querying efficient. There are
different types of databases: Object-oriented, Relational, Distributed,
Hierarchical, Network and others. In enterprise applications, databases
involve mission-critical, security-sensitive and compliance-focused
record items that have complicated logical relationships with other
datasets and grow exponentially over time as the userbase increases. As
a result, these organizations require technology solutions to maintain,
secure, manage and process the data stored in databases. This is where
Database Management System come into play.

MS Access Database:
Microsoft Access is a database management system from Microsoft
that combines the relational Microsoft Jet Database Engine with a
graphical user interface and software-development tools. It is a member
of the Microsoft Office suite of applications, included in the Professional
and higher editions or sold separately.
Database objects are the main players in an Access database.
Altogether, we have six different types of database objects. From these
we'll use Table to create database Tables store information. Tables are
the heart of any database, and you can create as many tables as you need
to store different types of information. A fitness database could track
your daily running log, your inventory of exercise equipment, and the
number of high-protein whey milkshakes you down each day, as three
separate tables.
Important point to remember
You can customize a table in two ways:
 Design view lets you precisely define all aspects of a table before
you start using it.
 Datasheet view is where you enter data into a table. Datasheet view
also lets you build a table on the fly as you insert new information.

MySQL Database
MySQL is a fast, easy-to-use RDBMS being used for many small and
big businesses. MySQL is developed, marketed and supported by
MySQL AB, which is a Swedish company. MySQL is becoming so
popular because of many good reasons −

 MySQL is released under an open-source license. So you have


nothing to pay to use it.
 MySQL is a very powerful program in its own right. It handles a
large subset of the functionality of the most expensive and powerful
database packages.
 MySQL uses a standard form of the well-known SQL data
language.
 MySQL works on many operating systems and with many
languages including PHP, PERL, C, C++, JAVA, etc.
 MySQL works very quickly and works well even with large data
sets.
 MySQL is very friendly to PHP, the most appreciated language for
web development.
 MySQL supports large databases, up to 50 million rows or more in
a table. The default file size limit for a table is 4GB, but you can
increase this (if your operating system can handle it) to a theoretical
limit of 8 million terabytes (TB).
 MySQL is customizable. The open-source GPL license allows
programmers to modify the MySQL software to fit their own specific
environments.
Pharmacy Drug Databases
Drug databases and web resources play a very important role in the
pharmaceutical field. Check out this lesson to learn all about these
databases and resources and how they can benefit a pharmacist.
Drug databases are sites where information about drugs and
medications are stored, and one of the largest (and most commonly
used) drug databases is compiled by the Food & Drug Administration
(FDA). The FDA is a federal agency that oversees and controls all
medications in the U.S., which includes:

 Over-the-counter (OTC) medications


 Prescription medications
 Dietary supplements
 Vaccines
The FDA drug database includes most of the drugs they have approved
in the U.S. since 1939. Best of all, this database is extremely easy to use.
To search this database, you simply need to go to the FDA drug
databases website. Once you get to this website, you are able to search
the database by typing in the name of the drug or by typing in any active
ingredient of a drug.
Additionally, the FDA drug database can be used to search drugs that
are currently going through clinical trials and/or the approval process.
The FDA must approve a drug before it is legally able to be sold and
used in the U.S. Therefore, drug companies must formally submit an
application to the FDA for the drug to be approved. The drugs that have
not been submitted to the FDA but not yet approved can be found in this
database.

Common questions

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MS Access and MySQL differ significantly in their suitability for enterprise applications. MS Access is a desktop database management system appropriate for smaller-scale applications, often integrated into the Microsoft Office suite. It is more limited in terms of scalability and performance for large and complex datasets compared to MySQL . In contrast, MySQL is a robust, open-source relational database management system capable of handling large-scale applications, supporting extensive datasets with millions of rows, and providing compatibility with numerous programming languages . While MS Access is user-friendly and accessible for smaller projects, MySQL offers superior performance and flexibility for enterprise-level database management and web-based applications .

Web servers and databases complement each other by enabling the dynamic generation and management of web content and user data. Web servers handle client requests to access web content, send files, and execute server-side scripts which often require interaction with databases for retrieving or updating data . Databases store and manage the web application's data, ensuring it can be efficiently queried and retrieved by the server's scripts to dynamically serve customized responses to users . Together, they create a seamless user experience by enabling data-driven web applications that can respond to user input with updated, relevant content .

Using open-source web server options such as Apache HTTP Server and Lighttpd has implications for a company's web infrastructure, particularly in cost, flexibility, and scalability. Apache HTTP Server, being open source, allows companies to reduce costs associated with licensing fees and provides flexibility in customization to meet specific business needs . Similarly, Lighttpd offers a lightweight, efficient server option that helps in reducing operational costs by consuming less CPU power . However, these benefits come with responsibilities such as the need for in-house expertise to manage, maintain, and secure the infrastructure. Open-source solutions often rely on community support and updates, which can also lead to longer implementation times for fixes and upgrades compared to proprietary solutions like Microsoft's IIS with more structured support .

When choosing between a proprietary web server like IIS and an open-source solution like Apache HTTP Server, businesses should consider factors such as cost, support, customization, and compatibility. Apache HTTP Server, being open-source, offers lower cost and greater customization options but may require in-house expertise for support and maintenance . IIS, tightly integrated with Windows, might offer relatively easier administration and better support for Microsoft products, with regular updates and professional technical support from Microsoft . Compatibility with existing infrastructure, expected traffic, security requirements, and the technical expertise available in the organization are also crucial considerations in making the decision .

Concurrency in web servers is implemented through multi-processing, multi-threading, or hybrid models which allow handling multiple requests simultaneously, optimizing the server's responsiveness and resource utilization . In databases, concurrency is managed through transaction processing which ensures multiple database transactions are executed safely and correctly in a concurrent environment . The benefits of concurrency include increased throughput, improved resource utilization, and better user experience due to quicker response times. However, challenges include potential race conditions, data consistency issues, and the complexity of handling deadlocks and ensuring data integrity across transactions .

Database Management Systems (DBMS) play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and security of enterprise databases by providing a structured environment for data management. They ensure data consistency through defined schemas and the enforcement of integrity constraints, reducing the risk of data anomalies . Additionally, DBMS offer advanced security features like user authentication, access controls, encryption, and auditing capabilities to protect sensitive data against unauthorized access and breaches . These systems are essential for enterprises focused on mission-critical, security-sensitive operations, ensuring that data is both reliable and protected .

Drug databases managed by organizations like the FDA play a pivotal role in the regulation and approval process of medications by providing a centralized, accessible repository of information on drugs undergoing clinical trials and the approval process. These databases help ensure that drug companies submit formal applications for new drugs, which must be reviewed and approved before the drugs can be legally marketed and sold in the U.S. . They also facilitate transparency and public access to drug information, fostering accountability and trust in the drug approval process. The databases aid in monitoring pharmaceutical compliance and provide healthcare professionals and the public with critical information regarding drug safety, efficacy, and legal status .

The concurrent approach in web server architecture, which can be multi-process, multi-threaded, or hybrid, allows handling multiple client requests simultaneously. The multi-process method involves initiating several single-threaded child processes, enabling better load management by a parent process . In contrast, the single-process-event-driven approach processes client requests one at a time, which may not effectively manage multiple simultaneous requests. The advantages of the concurrent approach include improved performance and efficient use of resources under high load conditions. However, it can lead to increased complexity in managing processes and threads, potential resource wastage, and higher memory consumption. Conversely, the single-process-event-driven method is simpler but can become a bottleneck under heavy traffic, limiting scalability .

The hybrid method optimizes resource utilization by combining both multi-process and multi-threaded approaches. It creates multiple processes, each of which initiates several threads to handle individual connections. This method takes advantage of the strengths of both strategies: the ability to manage different processes for isolating and scaling different workloads, and using threads within these processes to efficiently handle concurrent tasks with lower system resource usage as compared to multiple distinct processes . This results in reduced load on system resources due to limited context switching overhead among threads while maintaining the benefits of isolated processes for managing tasks .

MySQL provides strategic benefits to businesses prioritizing open-source technologies through cost efficiency, flexibility, and community support. As an open-source RDBMS, MySQL eliminates licensing fees, reducing overall costs . It offers extensive compatibility with various programming languages and operating systems, ensuring flexibility in integrating with existing infrastructure . MySQL's strong community support facilitates rapid troubleshooting and enhancement through shared user experiences and solutions. Furthermore, its scalability and performance, even with large datasets, allow businesses to efficiently manage and expand their database needs over time, aligning well with strategic objectives focused on growth and technological adaptability .

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