Code360 powered by Coding Ninjas X Naukri.com. Code360 powered by Coding Ninjas X Naukri.com
Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
What is Apache Web Server?
3.
Apache Web Application Architecture
4.
Features of Apache Web Server
5.
Working on Apache Web Server
5.1.
What is the role of HTTP/S?
6.
Who Uses Apache Web Server?
7.
Advantages of Apache Server
7.1.
1. Open Source
7.2.
2. Handles Traffic
8.
Disadvantages of Apache Server
9.
Alternatives for Apache HTTP Server
10.
Other Web Servers
10.1.
1. Apache vs. NGINX
10.2.
2. Apache vs. Tomcat
11.
Versions of Apache
12.
Security of Apache
13.
Frequently Asked Questions 
13.1.
What is the significance of Apache Web Server?
13.2.
How is open source useful in the case of Apache Web Server?
13.3.
What is Apache server used for?
13.4.
Why is it called Apache server?
14.
Conclusion
Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024
Easy

Apache Server

Author Geetika Dua
0 upvote

Introduction

Are you a development enthusiast? Do you work with Servers? If the answer is yes, this is the right place for you! Let us study Apache Web Server in this blog in detail.

apache server


Also See, Interpolation in Angular

What is Apache Web Server?

Apache HTTP Server is an open-source web server. It delivers web content through the internet. It is free software and a very famous one. This name, Apache, originated from the Native American Tribe.

Apache Web server is fast, reliable, and secure. It can be customized to meet different aspects of modules and extensions. Before we know more about Apache, we should study a web application and the standard architecture of web apps.

Apache Web Application Architecture

Apache is one of many components for web content delivery. Typical web application stack involves LAMP, Linux, Apache, PHP, and MySQL.

Apache Web Application Architecture

The operating system that governs the operations of this application is Linux. Apache is the web server that uses HTTP( Hyper Text Transfer Protocol). We can create dynamic web content using PHP Programming Language. For storing the database, we use SQL( Structured Query Language).

Firewalls are a tool to protect web applications from threats. The job of load balancers is to distribute traffic across the web servers. They also handle the HTTP requests; This is where the Apache Web server comes into play. The role of the database servers is to address the issue of storage and backups. The way your application and database exists is dependent on your infrastructure. Although they can share a standard server, keeping them separate is always recommended.

Features of Apache Web Server

There are various features of Apache Web Server. Some of them are listed below.

  • Handling of static files - The Apache Server is proficient in handling static files.
     
  • Loadable dynamic modules - There is a variety of modules available that help in better configuration.
     
  • Supports HTTP/2 - Apache server supports widely used Hyper Text Transfer Protocol.
     
  • Load balancing - It balances the load by limiting the traffic on the network.
     
  • Session tracking -  The Apache server tracks the sessions of users, which makes the process efficient.

Working on Apache Web Server

The communication between networks from clients and servers happens using the TCP/IP Protocol. We can use any protocol with Apache, but we prefer to use HTTP/S. There is a difference between HTTP and HTTP/S. HTTP/S stands for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (Secure).

What is the role of HTTP/S?

HTTP/S defines the formatting and transmission of messages. It consists of various instructions for browsers and servers. There are details on how to respond to multiple requests and commands. The secure HTTP uses port 443, and the insecure one runs on port 80.

The Apache server is configured via the config file. These modules monitor its behavior. Apache listens to the IP addresses configured in its config files that are being requested by default. 

Once a message reaches its destination or recipient, it sends an Acknowledgement message, basically giving acknowledgment to the original sender that their data has successfully arrived. If there’s an error in receiving data, the destination host or client sends a Not Acknowledged message to inform that the data needs to be retransmitted.

Who Uses Apache Web Server?

The user base of Apache Web Server is vast; over 67% of web servers follow Apache. Developers worldwide prefer this server because of its reusability and efficiency.

Advantages of Apache Server

1. Open Source

Apache is open-source software. By open source, we mean that the source code is accessible to everyone for making changes and collaborating on the same. It has become famous among developers because of its open-source feature.

2. Handles Traffic

Apache finds its use in handling significant traffic with less configuration. It gives ease of access and modular functionality. We can modify Apache according to the requirements of the developers. It makes it more efficient and lightweight. SSL, Server Side Programming Support (PHP), and load balancers are some modules that can be employed to reduce traffic.  

Disadvantages of Apache Server

The disadvantages of using Apache Server-

  • The alternatives are better and more flexible.
  • There is a configuration requirement for working with Apache.
  • Security Issues may sometimes exist.

Alternatives for Apache HTTP Server

While the benefits of the Apache HTTP Server are immense, there are other players besides the Apache HTTP Server. There are other options available in the market for the same. Following are examples of famous web servers.

  • Nginx
  • Appweb
  • Node.js
  • Apache Tomcat
  • Cherokee
  • Lighttpd

Other Web Servers

1. Apache vs. NGINX

The difference between Apache and NGINX is that Apache follows a process-based architecture, where a separate process handles each incoming request. On the other hand, NGINX uses an event-driven architecture where a single process can handle multiple requests.

2. Apache vs. Tomcat

The major difference between Apache and Tomcat is that Apache is written in C language and follows a process-based architecture. Whereas, Tomcat is written in Java and uses a thread-based architecture. 

Versions of Apache

  1. Version 1.1
    Version 1.1 has removed the 'advertising clause.' The derived products are no longer required to include attribution in their advertising materials, only in their documentation.
     
  2. Version 2.0
    The Apache 2.0 license is permissive, i.e., there are some restrictions on the use of the code. This differs from a copyleft license, which requires the user to distribute their code under the same software license.

Security of Apache

We can achieve security of Apache by adapting some useful measures. For example, 

  1. We can use secure protocols, such as HTTPS. This helps to protect data between server and the client.
     
  2. Use of Access controls helps to restrict various resources on the server. Which further helps in protecting data from any unauthorized user. 
     
  3. We can update regularly in order to fix any security vulnerabilities. This further helps in assuring that the server is safe and there is no security risk.
     

The modular architecture of Apache allows customization and flexibility in the server configuration. The server can be configured to run only the required modules which reduces the potential attack surface. 

Apart from that, Apache has many inbuilt security features that also supports third-party modules for added security.

Must read: Clean Architecture

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the significance of Apache Web Server?

Apache Web server is fast, reliable, and secure. It can be customized to meet different aspects of modules and extensions.

How is open source useful in the case of Apache Web Server?

Apache is open-source software. By open source, we mean that the source code is accessible to everyone for making changes and collaborating on the same.

What is Apache server used for?

The Apache Server is used for hosting websites. It supports various programming languages, including PHP and Perl. Also it can be customized using modules to provide additional functionalities.

Why is it called Apache server?

The Apache Server was named after the Native American Apache tribe. Its ability to handle high traffic volumes made it popular and it is now one of the most widely used web servers in the world.

Conclusion

In this blog, we studied Apache Web Server in detail. We witnessed the uses, advantages, disadvantages, and alternatives of the same. We hope this blog made your concepts clear about Apache server!

Want to know more about Apache? Don’t worry! We got your back.

Refer to these articles-

Refer to our guided paths on Coding Ninjas Studio to learn more about DSA, Competitive Programming, JavaScript, System Design, etc. Enroll in our courses and refer to the mock test and problems available. Take a look at the interview experiences and interview bundle for placement preparations.

Happy Learning!

Live masterclass