In a server context, what does the term "scalability" refer to?

Scalability in a server context refers to the ability of a system to accommodate an increase in workload or demand by adding resources. This means that as the number of users, transactions, or data increases, a scalable server can effectively manage that growth without significant performance degradation. This often involves adding additional hardware, such as processors, memory, or storage, or leveraging cloud resources to expand capacity dynamically.

In environments where demand fluctuates, scalability is essential for maintaining reliable and efficient service. For instance, a web application might need to scale during peak traffic times, and a well-designed system can seamlessly integrate additional resources to meet that demand. This ensures that users continue to receive a good experience even when there is a sudden increase in the number of simultaneous users or transactions.