What is a web server?

A web server is made up of hardware and software that work together to store files and control how people access those files on the web. It connects to the internet and takes an active role in the interchange between connected devices and data. Web servers store and deliver the content on a website, including video, images, text, and data. To create websites, you need one of two types of web servers: static or dynamic. Static web servers are sometimes called "stack." This web server is made up of hardware and HTTP software. It sends files without any updates or alterations to the browser requesting them. Dynamic web servers, which are made of static web servers with additional software, update files before sending them from the server to the browser.

Why is it important to learn about web servers?

If you're an aspiring programmer or developer, understanding what web servers are and how to work with them is an essential step. Having knowledge about web servers is also often a prerequisite for other courses in website design and development. Creating, configuring, and managing servers while also using other tools to manage computers and user information provides dynamic insight to help you choose better hardware and services, manage tech, and build web applications.

What are careers the use web server knowledge?

Gaining skills and a solid foundation in how web servers operate prepare you for careers in web development, application development, web server administration, software engineer, and web application tester. You'll be able to take your foundation in web servers and apply it to a variety of job options. You may also use it to create your own web applications and websites, either professionally or as a side project. You could work with hardware or technical support. If you're creative and have the drive, you can take on more of the design and development role. Building a strong foundation in the basics, which includes web servers, can help you advance your career or embark on a new one in the IT world.

How can online courses on Coursera help me learn about web servers?

Online courses on Coursera provide you with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with web servers along with opportunities to write and deploy web applications in programming languages like Python. By giving you a strong foundation, courses provide the stepping stones to build on that knowledge and advance your skills. Courses on Coursera are designed for you to move at your own pace as you study concepts and tackle projects headed up by some of the leading instructors and institutions, including Duke University, Google, and the University of Michigan.

What are the benefits of taking an online Web Server course?

Online Web Server courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Web Server skills. Choose from a wide range of Web Server courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Web Server courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Web Server, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Best Web Server Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Web Server Course Catalog

University of California, Davis
Introduction to Web Development
Skills you'll gain: Version Control, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), GitHub, Git (Version Control System), HTML and CSS, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Web Design and Development, Web Development, Web Design, Web Content, Front-End Web Development, Web Servers, Image Analysis, Semantic Web, Cloud Hosting, Browser Compatibility
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Azure: Create a Virtual Machine and Deploy a Web Server
Skills you'll gain: Virtual Machines, Microsoft Azure, Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Computing, Network Security, Web Servers, Network Administration, Server Administration, Remote Access Systems
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
211 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Meta
Introduction to Back-End Development
Skills you'll gain: Bootstrap (Front-End Framework), Web Design and Development, HTML and CSS, User Interface (UI), Front-End Web Development, Responsive Web Design, JavaScript Frameworks, Web Applications, Full-Stack Web Development, General Networking, Back-End Web Development, React.js, Web Servers
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.5K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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University of Michigan
Web Application Technologies and Django
Skills you'll gain: Django (Web Framework), HTML and CSS, Model View Controller, Application Deployment, Application Frameworks, Web Applications, Web Servers, SQL, Databases, Network Protocols, Python Programming
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.9K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Michigan
Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development & Coding
Skills you'll gain: Wireframing, Responsive Web Design, HTML and CSS, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Web Design, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Browser Compatibility, Bootstrap (Front-End Framework), Javascript, Front-End Web Development, User Interface (UI), Web Development Tools, Verification And Validation, Interactive Design, Application Frameworks, Code Review, Web Design and Development, Event-Driven Programming, Usability
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
35K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

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Meta
Meta Front-End Developer
Skills you'll gain: Jest (JavaScript Testing Framework), Version Control, UI/UX Research, Usability Testing, Responsive Web Design, Data Structures, Unix Commands, HTML and CSS, Git (Version Control System), Persona (User Experience), GitHub, Interaction Design, User Experience Design, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Bootstrap (Front-End Framework), React.js, Mobile Development, Front-End Web Development, Algorithms, Javascript
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
22K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Johns Hopkins University
HTML, CSS, and Javascript for Web Developers
Skills you'll gain: Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), HTML and CSS, Javascript, Ajax, Responsive Web Design, Bootstrap (Front-End Framework), Front-End Web Development, Web Design, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Web Design and Development, JSON, Web Applications, Web Development, Scripting, Usability, Cross Platform Development, Browser Compatibility, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Event-Driven Programming, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
17K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: AI skills
IBM
IBM Full Stack Software Developer
Skills you'll gain: Istio, Node.JS, Software Development Life Cycle, Unit Testing, Cloud Computing Architecture, Server Side, Application Deployment, React Redux, Kubernetes, Cloud Services, Django (Web Framework), Object-Relational Mapping, OpenShift, Git (Version Control System), Full-Stack Web Development, HTML and CSS, Cloud Computing, Jupyter, Large Language Modeling, Interviewing Skills
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
55K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New AI skills
Google
Google UX Design
Skills you'll gain: Storyboarding, Wireframing, Responsive Web Design, User Experience Design, Design Thinking, User Research, UI/UX Research, Information Architecture, Figma (Design Software), Usability Testing, User Story, Web Design, Design Reviews, Usability, Presentations, User Experience, Design Research, Ideation, User Centered Design, Mockups
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
90K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Meta
Meta Back-End Developer
Skills you'll gain: Django (Web Framework), Full-Stack Web Development, Version Control, Restful API, Data Structures, Unix Commands, Bootstrap (Front-End Framework), Git (Version Control System), Back-End Web Development, GitHub, Web Design and Development, Relational Databases, Front-End Web Development, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Database Management Systems, SQL, Database Design, Unit Testing, Algorithms, Web Development
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
9.2K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Meta
Django Web Framework
Skills you'll gain: Django (Web Framework), Web Development, Web Servers, Web Applications, Data Modeling, Back-End Web Development, MySQL, Application Security, Database Development, Application Frameworks, Database Management, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
605 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Johns Hopkins University
HTML, CSS, and Javascript for Web Developers
Skills you'll gain: HTML and CSS, Javascript, Responsive Web Design, Ajax, Front-End Web Development, Web Design, Web Applications, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Browser Compatibility, Web Development, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Usability, Cross Platform Development
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
17K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks