What does the server program typically refer to in the context of computing?

The server program refers to a program designed to provide services or resources to other programs, typically known as clients, within a networked environment. This means it facilitates communication and resource sharing, handling requests from clients and returning appropriate responses. Server programs often manage databases, file storage, web hosting, and other client-centric functions, highlighting their essential role in a client-server architecture.

By fulfilling the needs of other programs, server programs are pivotal to the operation of network services, which enables multiple users to access shared resources without needing to understand the complex underlying processes. This distinguishes server programs from those that run on client devices, hardware components, or programming languages, as their primary function is to serve other software rather than carrying out operations directly for end-users.