Full-Stack Development Fundamentals

Chapter 10: Server-Side Programming Basics

10.1 Server Concepts

Web servers receive HTTP requests from clients, process them, and return responses. Understanding how servers work is fundamental to back-end development.

Request-Response Cycle:

1. Client Request: Browser sends HTTP request to server
2. Server Receives: Server receives request and parses it
3. Processing: Server executes code, queries database, processes data
4. Response Generation: Server generates HTTP response
5. Response Sent: Server sends response back to client

Server Components:

• Web Server: Handles HTTP requests (Apache, Nginx, IIS)
• Application Server: Runs server-side code (Node.js, PHP-FPM, Python WSGI)
• Database Server: Stores and retrieves data (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB)

Server-Side Processing:

• Validate user input
• Authenticate users
• Query databases
• Process business logic
• Generate dynamic content
• Handle file uploads
• Send emails

10.2 Server Languages

Different server languages have different strengths. Choose based on your project requirements.

PHP:

• Widely used for web development
• Great for WordPress, Laravel, Symfony
• Easy to learn and deploy
• Good database integration
• Example: <?php echo "Hello World"; ?>

Node.js:

• JavaScript on the server
• Fast and scalable
• Great for real-time applications
• Large package ecosystem (npm)
• Example: const http = require('http');

Python:

• Clean, readable syntax
• Great for data processing
• Frameworks: Django, Flask, FastAPI
• Strong in AI/ML applications
• Example: print("Hello World")

Ruby:

• Elegant and expressive
• Ruby on Rails framework
• Rapid development
• Good for startups

Java:

• Enterprise-level applications
• Strong typing and performance
• Spring framework
• Scalable and reliable

10.3 Server Architecture

Understanding server architecture helps you build scalable applications.

Monolithic Architecture:

• Single application handles all functionality
• Easier to develop and deploy
• Good for small to medium applications
• Can become complex as it grows

Microservices Architecture:

• Application split into small, independent services
• Each service handles specific functionality
• Scalable and maintainable
• More complex to manage

Serverless Architecture:

• Functions run on-demand in cloud
• No server management needed
• Pay only for what you use
• Good for event-driven applications

10.4 Server Configuration

Proper server configuration ensures security and performance.

Security Settings:

• Enable HTTPS/SSL
• Configure firewall rules
• Set up authentication
• Limit file permissions
• Keep software updated

Performance Optimization:

• Enable caching
• Compress responses (gzip)
• Optimize database queries
• Use CDN for static assets
• Implement load balancing