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Apache vs. NGINX
Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
What is Apache Web Server?
3.
What is NGINX Web Server?
4.
Apache Vs. NGINX
5.
 
6.
 
7.
 
8.
 
9.
 
10.
 
11.
 
12.
 
13.
 
14.
FAQs
15.
Key Takeaways
Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024

Apache vs. NGINX

Author Parth Jain
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Introduction

Apache and NGINX are the most popular web servers used to send and receive data from the server to the client. This blog discusses the differences between Apache and NGINX. By the end of this blog, we will clearly understand which among the two web servers is the fastest and allows more benefits to the user. We will also know more about their key features and which web server suits a specific task.
However, before we deep dive into the key differences between Apache and NGINX, we must be aware of the two. Hence, in the next section, we will witness what NGINX and Apache web servers are.

Also see, Must Do Coding Questions

What is Apache Web Server?

Developed by Tim Berners Lee, The Apache Web Server, or in other words, the Apache HTTP Server, is a high-performance open-source web server software maintained by the ASF(Apache Software Foundation). Apache is created to draft a robust and secure web server that follows HTTP standards.
Apache dominates the web server industry as it is the backbone of the WWW(World Wide Web). Also, it provides additional services such as power compatibility, architectural compatibility, and multi-platform support, meaning it can run on almost all operating systems such as UNIX, Linux, OSX, NetWare, and Windows.
Critical Facts about Apache:

  • It was first released in 1995.
  • The server is maintained by an open community of developers under ASF.
  • While Apache is more popular on Linux, It powers around over 47% of all the websites worldwide.
  • Apache is a crucial component of the LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP).

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What is NGINX Web Server?

Developed by Igor Sysoev, NGINX launched nine years after the Apache Web Server and quickly became one of the most popular Web Server Software.NGINX is designed to draft a stable and high-performance web server while also providing scalability and reducing client wait time.
Critical Facts about NGINX:

  • It provides HTTP server functionalities.
  • It was created to provide stability and maximum performance.
  • It functions as a proxy server for email.
  • It uses an event-driven and non-threaded architecture to perform even on a low hardware configuration.
  • It provides scalability.
  • It reduces wait time for the client.

Apache Vs. NGINX

Apache NGINX
Apache is platform-independent, meaning it can run on almost all operating systems such as UNIX, Linux, BSD, and Windows. NGINX can run on only the latest UNIX software with partial support for Windows.
Apache supports the Multi-Threaded approach meaning it creates a new thread for each new request. NGINX does not support the Multi-Threaded approach but can run multiple requests in a single thread.
Apache has trouble handling multiple requests concurrently during heavy web traffic. Even with limited hardware, NGINX can handle multiple requests during heavy web traffic.
Apache can process dynamic content within the webserver. NGINX cannot process any dynamic content natively.
Apache’s intended usage while development was for a webserver only. NGINX’s intended usage while development was for both a webserver and a proxy server.
Apache has good security features. Compared with Apache, NGINX has better security features.
Apache can load and unload 60 official dynamically loadable modules. NGINX has 3rd party modules that cannot be loaded dynamically.
Apache uses file-based methods to serve static content NGINX does not require PHP to serve static content.
Apache with a single thread can only process a single connection. NGINX with a single thread cab support multiple connections.
Apache uses file system location to interpret requests. NGINX passes URI to interpret requests.
Apache follows a process-driven approach. NGINX follows an Event-driven approach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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FAQs

  1. What is Apache Web Server?
    Apache is a free and open-source HTTP server capable of delivering web content throughout the internet.
     
  2. What is NGINX Web Server?
    NGINX is an open-source web serving, media streaming, and reverse proxying software that started as a web server for maximum stability and performance
     
  3. Can NGINX process dynamic content within the server?
    No, Currently, NGINX cannot process dynamic content within the server.
     
  4. Why is NGINX faster than Apache?
    Apache consumes more memory as compared to NGINX. Also, as Apache uses multiple threads, they further decrease its processing speed.
     
  5. Why should Apache be used instead of NGINX?
    Apache processes dynamic content within the server and can work on multiple platforms, which gives Apache an advantage over NGINX.

Key Takeaways

In this article, we learned about Apache and NGINX Web Servers and what advantages one has over the other. We also discussed the significant differences between the two web browsers. However, this isn't enough, as there is always much more to explore and learn about this vast field of Web Development. To know more about NGINXand its intricacies, check out the articles on NGINX or enroll in our highly curated Web Development course. 

Recommended Readings:

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