What is a web application?

A web application is a program that runs on a web server and is accessible to users through a web browser via HTTP or HTTPS protocols.

Main components:

• Server-side (Backend): Handles requests from the client, interacts with databases, implements business logic. Often uses Java EE, Spring, Jakarta EE.
• Client-side (Frontend): Displays information to the user and interacts with the server-side. Implemented using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Working principle:

1. The user enters a URL in the browser.
2. The browser sends an HTTP request to the web server.
3. The web server receives the request and forwards it to the web application.
4. The web application processes the request (e.g., performs database operations) and generates a response.
5. The web server sends an HTTP response to the browser.
6. The browser displays the response to the user.

Examples include online stores, social networks, email clients, and online banking.