Difference b/w application server and webserver

[prabhu peruka]

Can anyone help me out with the differences b/w a webserver and an application server? can a TomCat be called application server?

Thanks in advance

[Sunil Manheri]

A Web Server handles client requests and gives response back to the client, while an Application Server performs the business logics. The request flow is like this:
1. A client initiates a request
2. The WebServer handles the request and passes the control to the Application Server
3. Application Server performs the business logic.
4. Application Server passes control back to the Web Server.
5. Web Server creates the response and gives it to the client.
Hope this will help you.
Regards,
Sunil.