Custom C HTTP Server

A lightweight, concurrent, and modular HTTP server written entirely in C. This project was developed from a simple single-connection socket program into a fully-fledged, multi-threaded web server capable of handling static assets, POST requests, and dynamic CGI execution.

Features

• Thread Pool concurrency model (pthreads)
• Static file serving with dynamic MIME types
• Dynamic script execution via CGI (Common Gateway Interface)
• Path traversal security protection
• Fully modular architecture separating network, routing, parsing, and response logic

Getting Started

Prerequisites

• GCC compiler
• POSIX compliant OS (Linux/macOS)
• make utility

Installation & Execution

1. Clone the repository and navigate into the project directory:

   git clone <repository_url>
   cd http-server

2. Compile the server using the provided Makefile:

   make

3. Run the server:

   ./http-server

   The server will start listening for connections on http://localhost:8080.

Usage Examples

• View Homepage: curl -i http://localhost:8080/
• Execute CGI Script: curl -i http://localhost:8080/cgi-bin/hello.py
• Test POST Echo: curl -i -X POST -d "Hello Server!" http://localhost:8080/echo

Documentation

• Read the Overview for a summary of capabilities.
• Read the Developer Guide for a complete history of the project's architectural evolution and implementation details.