Can you explain what is meant by the term 'application server'?

An application server is a software platform that provides an environment for running, managing, and maintaining applications, most often web applications. It handles client requests, manages business logic, ensures security, manages transactions, and interacts with databases.

For example, in the Java ecosystem, an application server such as WildFly or Tomcat deploys web applications and manages their lifecycle. In Python, similar functions can be performed by frameworks and servers like Gunicorn or uWSGI, which run applications on Flask or Django.

Thus, an application server acts as an intermediary between the user and the business logic, ensuring reliable and scalable operation of the application.