Multithreaded Web Server

Introduction

In this project, we explore the implementation and performance of a multithreaded web server capable of handling a large number of concurrent requests.

Concepts Covered

• Client-Server Architecture
• TCP Communication
• HTTP Protocols
• Sockets
• Single-threaded vs. Multithreaded Servers
• Thread Pools

Client-Server Communication

• Explanation of how clients communicate with servers via IP addresses, ports, and DNS.
• Overview of TCP communication, including the 3-way handshake and differences between TCP and UDP.
• Types of HTTP protocols: HTTPS 1.0 (non-persistent) and 1.1 (persistent).

Sockets and Operating Systems

• Explanation of sockets and their interaction with the operating system.
• Detailed process of opening sockets, listening, accepting connections, and handling communication.

Single-threaded vs. Multithreaded Servers

• Single-threaded server limitations: blocking behavior and inability to handle multiple concurrent requests efficiently.
• Multithreaded server advantages: simultaneous handling of multiple requests, context switching, and concurrent request processing.

Thread Pools

• Introduction to thread pools and their role in optimizing server performance.
• Explanation of how thread pools manage resources efficiently by reusing threads and assigning tasks from a task queue.

Conclusion

• Summary of the advantages of multithreaded servers and the importance of thread pools in optimizing performance.
• Mention of upcoming code implementation and performance testing.

Next Steps

• Details about upcoming code implementation and performance testing.
• Instructions for running and testing the multithreaded web server.

Feedback and Contributions

• Encouragement for feedback, suggestions, and contributions to the project.

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