What happens when you type google.com in your browser and press Enter
When you type https://www.google.com in your browser and press Enter, a series of complex processes are initiated that result in the website loading on your screen. Let’s take a closer look at each of these processes and how they work together.
First, your computer sends a DNS request to a DNS server to look up the IP address associated with the website’s domain name. Once it has this information, it establishes a connection to the server using TCP/IP protocol. This ensures that data is sent and received accurately between your device and the server.
However, before any data can be exchanged, it must first pass through a firewall. The firewall acts as a barrier between your device and the internet, blocking any incoming traffic that could be potentially harmful. It is essential in safeguarding your device from cyber threats.
Once the firewall has cleared the traffic, your device sends an HTTPS request to the server. If the website is secured with HTTPS/SSL encryption, the data exchanged between your device and the server is encrypted and protected from any third-party interference. This is especially important when sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, and personal information is involved.
If the website experiences a high volume of traffic, a load-balancer ensures that the traffic is distributed across multiple web servers. This ensures that no single server gets overloaded and the website remains responsive.
When you click on a link or type a URL into your browser, your device sends a request to the web server, asking it to provide the content you want to access. The web server processes the request and generates a response that is sent back to your device, allowing you to view the content on your screen.
Some websites require more complex operations than simply serving static content. This is where an application server comes in. An application server runs software designed to handle dynamic content, like user-generated data or complex web applications. It receives requests from the web server and executes the necessary actions to provide the requested content to the user.
Behind every website is a database that stores the data necessary to generate the content users see on their screens. A database is like a massive library that stores information in a structured way, making it easy for web servers and application servers to access the required information quickly. When a user requests a specific piece of information, like their account details or the results of a search, the application server retrieves the data from the database and generates a response to send back to the user.
Let me summarize what I have written above here: loading a webpage involves a series of complex processes that work together behind the scene to deliver content to your device. From the initial DNS request to the final delivery of the requested content, each step plays a crucial role in ensuring a seamless browsing experience for you and everyone else.
Understanding how the different components work together can help you figure out issues when they arise and appreciate the technology that powers the internet. So, the next time you type https://www.google.com in your browser and press Enter, you’ll know exactly what’s happening behind the scenes.
