Network Programming: Multi-Client Web Server

Chapter 30 presents the complete design and implementation of a multi-client HTTP web server application in C and Winsock. Building on the preceding networking lectures, students construct a functional HTTP daemon listening on port 80. The application initializes Winsock via WSAStartup, configures a server socket, binds to INADDR_ANY, and enters a request-processing loop. The server receives HTTP GET requests, parses requested file paths, crafts standard HTTP response headers (HTTP/1.1 200 OK, Content-Type, Content-Length), and transmits HTML web pages to connecting browsers. The chapter details multi-client connection management, graceful connection termination via closesocket, and WSACleanup. In this chapter, students investigate key structural foundations of Windows programming and systems architecture. Through practical analysis of Win32 APIs, the lesson clarifies fundamental runtime mechanisms and memory management models. Special attention is given to message dispatching, operating system control transfer, and robust error management. Mastering these core principles allows learners to develop responsive, secure, and resource-efficient desktop software applications. Analytical exercises and solved examples further assist students preparing for Virtual University midterm and final term exams. The curriculum systematically connects low-level system design with modern software engineering paradigms and practical debugging strategies. Reviewing the accompanying lecture handouts and conceptual diagrams reinforces understanding of kernel and user space interactions. Consistent hands-on practice with API prototypes and data structures ensures comprehensive preparation for both theoretical assessments and practical development tasks. In this chapter, students investigate key structural foundations of Windows programming and systems architecture. Through practical analysis of Win32 APIs, the lesson clarifies fundamental runtime mechanisms and memory management models. Special attention is given to message dispatching, operating system control transfer, and robust error management. Mastering these core principles allows learners to develop responsive, secure, and resource-efficient desktop software applications. Analytical exercises and solved examples further assist students preparing for Virtual University midterm and final term exams. The curriculum systematically connects low-level system design with modern software engineering paradigms and practical debugging strategies.