application server

An application server is a server in a client-server network that runs the application programs such as word processing, spreadsheets, address management, calendars, and the graphical programs that the clients can access.

The application server shares data processing with the clients. Through it, the client can execute transactions or perform authentication for directories and databases. Application servers work with a specific application platform such as . NET, Java Enterprise Edition (JEE), or Apache.

For web applications, the client-server constellation is formed by a web server or web application server and a browser. The web server provides the content for the website and assists the user in building the web pages. The browser forms the client, which retrieves the web pages from the web server.