What happens when you type google.com in your browser and press Enter

Every time you type a web address into your browser and hit Enter, you're initiating a fascinating technological ballet that connects your device to servers across the globe. This seemingly simple action triggers a complex sequence of events involving DNS requests, secure connections, server communication, and data retrieval. In this post, we'll unravel the intricacies of this journey, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes processes that transform your typed URL into a fully rendered webpage on your screen. Let's break down this journey step by step, exploring the intricate web of technologies and protocols that make it all happen.

1. DNS Request:

Definition: DNS (Domain Name System) is a system that translates human-readable domain names (like www.google.com) into IP addresses (like 172.217.12.206), allowing computers to identify each other on a network.

How it Works: When you type "https://www.google.com" in your browser, a DNS request is sent to a DNS server. The server translates the domain name into an IP address, enabling your browser to locate Google's server on the internet.

2. TCP/IP:

Definition: TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and IP (Internet Protocol) are fundamental protocols that define how devices on a network establish connections and exchange data packets.

How it Works: Once the IP address is obtained, a TCP connection is established between your device and Google's server using IP. This connection allows reliable and orderly transmission of data packets between the devices.

3. Firewall:

Definition: A firewall is a network security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic, allowing or blocking data packets based on predefined security rules.

How it Works: The request passes through firewalls, which inspect the packets to ensure they meet security criteria. Approved packets are allowed to pass, protecting the internal network from unauthorized access.

4. HTTPS/SSL:

Definition: HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is an extension of HTTP that ensures secure data exchange over a computer network. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) are cryptographic protocols that provide secure communication over a computer network.

How it Works: In HTTPS, SSL/TLS encrypts the data transmitted between your browser and Google's server. This encryption safeguards the information from interception, ensuring secure communication.

5. Load-Balancer:

Definition: A load balancer is a device or software application that distributes network or application traffic across multiple servers, enhancing efficiency and redundancy.

How it Works: High-traffic websites like Google employ load balancers to evenly distribute incoming requests. This prevents any single server from becoming overwhelmed, ensuring smooth performance even during heavy traffic.

6. Web Server:

Definition: A web server is software or hardware that stores, processes, and delivers web pages to users over the internet.

How it Works: The web server processes your request, retrieves the necessary files, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and sends them back to your browser, which then renders the Google homepage on your screen.

7. Application Server:

Definition: An application server is a server that hosts and manages computer programs to serve the needs of a user or other programs.

How it Works: For dynamic websites, the application server handles tasks like database queries and user authentication. It processes the request, interacts with databases if necessary, and generates dynamic content before sending it to the web server for delivery to your browser.

8. Database:

Definition: A database is an organized collection of data, typically stored and accessed electronically from a computer system.

How it Works: Application servers communicate with databases to retrieve specific data. For example, in an online store, the application server might query the database to fetch product details, which are then displayed on the webpage you see in your browser.

In this intricate dance of technologies, your simple action of typing a URL and pressing Enter sets off a series of processes, seamlessly orchestrated to provide you with the web content you requested. Understanding this journey offers a glimpse into the marvels of modern internet infrastructure, making the vast expanse of the internet a little less mysterious.