HTTP Server library

As part of a challenging project, I undertook the development of a low latency HTTP server library using C++. The goal of the project was to create a performant and scalable library that could handle high volumes of incoming HTTP requests with minimal latency.

To achieve this, I started by conducting extensive research on existing HTTP server libraries and protocols to understand the best practices and performance optimization techniques. This allowed me to design a robust architecture for the library that would prioritize low latency and high throughput.

The development process involved several key components:

Event-driven Architecture: I implemented an event-driven architecture using C++ to handle incoming requests asynchronously. This approach ensured that the server could efficiently handle multiple concurrent connections without blocking or incurring unnecessary overhead.

Socket Programming: I utilized C++ socket programming techniques to establish and manage connections with clients. This included handling socket creation, binding, and listening for incoming connections.

HTTP Parsing: I implemented a lightweight and efficient HTTP parsing mechanism to extract relevant information from incoming requests. This involved processing request headers, URL parameters, and request bodies.

Multithreading: To further enhance performance, I incorporated multithreading techniques to handle concurrent requests efficiently. This allowed the server to process multiple requests in parallel, leveraging the available CPU cores effectively.

Response Generation: I designed a response generation module to construct and send appropriate HTTP responses to clients. This involved handling different HTTP status codes, content types, and response headers.

Performance Optimization: Throughout the development process, I focused on optimizing the library for low latency and high throughput. This included techniques such as connection pooling, request pipelining, and data compression to minimize latency and improve overall performance.

Error Handling and Logging: I implemented robust error handling mechanisms to gracefully handle exceptions and prevent crashes. Additionally, I incorporated logging functionality to record important events and aid in troubleshooting.

During the project, I conducted extensive testing to ensure the library's stability and performance under various scenarios, including high request loads and stress testing. I also collaborated with other developers and received feedback to continuously improve the library's efficiency and usability.

In conclusion, the development of the low latency HTTP server library using C++ was a complex and demanding project. Through careful architectural design, efficient coding practices, and performance optimization techniques, I was able to create a high-performance HTTP server library capable of handling large volumes of requests with minimal latency.