How to Host Web API on IIS Server

Hello Dev, are you planning to host your Web API on IIS server but don’t know where to start? In this article, we will guide you through the process step by step. By the end of this article, you will be able to host your Web API on the IIS server and make it accessible to the world.

Introduction

Before we dive into the technical aspects of hosting a Web API on IIS server, let us first understand what is a Web API and why do we need to host it on a server.Web API is an interface that allows two applications to communicate with each other. It is a set of protocols and routines for building software applications. Hosting a Web API on a server makes it accessible to other applications, devices, and users over the internet.Now, let’s get started with hosting your Web API on IIS server.

Step 1: Install IIS Server

Before we can host our Web API on IIS server, we need to install the server itself. Here are the steps to do so:1. Open the Server Manager on your machine.2. Click on Add Roles and Features.3. Select Web Server (IIS) and follow the prompts to complete the installation.Once the installation is complete, we can move on to the next step.

Step 2: Create a Website on IIS Server

Now that we have installed the IIS server, we need to create a website to host our Web API. Here are the steps to create a website:1. Open the IIS Manager on your machine.2. Click on the Sites folder.3. Right-click on the folder and select Add Website.4. Fill in the website’s name, physical path, and IP address.5. Configure the website’s bindings and authentication settings.

Physical Path

The physical path is the location on your machine where your Web API files are stored. Make sure to select the correct path where your Web API is saved.

IP Address

The IP address is the address that your website will be accessible from. You can select the default IP address or choose a specific IP address for your website.

Bindings and Authentication Settings

Bindings and authentication settings are important to ensure your website is secure and accessible. You can select the appropriate settings based on your needs.

Step 3: Publish Your Web API to IIS Server

Now that we have created a website, we need to publish our Web API to the site. Here are the steps to publish your Web API:1. Right-click on the website you created and select Add Application.2. Fill in the application’s alias and physical path.3. Configure the application’s settings, such as the runtime version and pipeline mode.

Alias and Physical Path

The alias is the name that identifies your Web API application. The physical path is the location where your Web API files are stored.

Runtime Version and Pipeline Mode

These are important settings that determine how your Web API will run on IIS server. Make sure to select the correct version of the runtime and pipeline mode.

Step 4: Test Your Web API

Now that we have published our Web API to the IIS server, it’s time to test it. Here are the steps to test your Web API:1. Open a web browser and enter the URL of your website.2. Navigate to the Web API and test its functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. How do I access my Web API on IIS server?

A. You can access your Web API by entering the URL of your website in a web browser.

Q. What is the difference between hosting a Web API on IIS server and self-hosting?

A. Self-hosting is the process of hosting a Web API within your application, while hosting on IIS server allows you to make it accessible to other applications and users over the internet.

Q. Can I host multiple Web APIs on the same IIS server?

A. Yes, you can host multiple Web APIs on the same IIS server by creating multiple websites and applications.

Conclusion

Hosting a Web API on IIS server is a great way to make it accessible to other applications, devices, and users over the internet. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily host your Web API on IIS server and make it accessible to the world. We hope that this article has been helpful to you. Good luck and happy coding!