What is Apache HTTP Server?

Apache HTTP Server is a free, open-source web server, first released in 1995, historically the most widely used web server software on the internet.

Is Apache still widely used today?

Yes. While its overall market share has declined as Nginx and cloud-managed services have grown, Apache HTTP Server still powers a large share of websites globally.

What is the difference between Apache and Nginx?

Apache uses a modular, process/thread-based architecture with deep support for per-directory configuration via .htaccess, while Nginx uses an event-driven architecture often favored for very high-concurrency workloads and as a reverse proxy.

Is Apache HTTP Server free?

Yes, it is free and open source, released under the Apache License 2.0 by the Apache Software Foundation.

What does 'httpd' mean?

'httpd' stands for HTTP daemon, the technical process name for Apache HTTP Server (and other Unix web servers) running as a background service.

What is .htaccess used for?

A .htaccess file lets administrators apply configuration — such as redirects, access control, or URL rewriting — to a specific directory without editing the main server configuration.

Does Apache support HTTPS?

Yes, Apache supports HTTPS through the mod_ssl module, which handles TLS/SSL certificate configuration and encrypted connections.

DevOps

Apache HTTP Server

By the Apache Software Foundation

BeginnerTool3.2K learners

Apache HTTP Server (often called 'httpd' or simply 'Apache') is a free, open-source, cross-platform web server first released in 1995, and historically the most widely deployed web server software on the internet.

#ApacheHTTPServer #DevOps#Tool#Beginner#Nginx #Linux #WordPress #MySQL #SoftwareDelivery#Glossary#SkillVeris

Definition

Apache HTTP Server (often called 'httpd' or simply 'Apache') is a free, open-source, cross-platform web server first released in 1995, and historically the most widely deployed web server software on the internet.

Overview

Apache HTTP Server was released in 1995 by a group of developers extending NCSA's earlier httpd server, and the project's ongoing collaboration directly led to the founding of the Apache Software Foundation itself in 1999. For much of the early web's history, it was the dominant web server, and it remains one of the most widely used today. Its architecture is built around a highly modular design: optional modules add capabilities such as SSL/TLS termination (mod_ssl), URL rewriting (mod_rewrite), reverse proxying (mod_proxy), and language runtimes like PHP, letting administrators enable only what they need. Apache also supports multiple multi-processing modules (prefork, worker, and event) that determine how it handles concurrent connections, and per-directory configuration through .htaccess files, which is especially popular in shared hosting environments. Apache HTTP Server was a core pillar of the classic LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) that powered a huge share of the early web, including platforms like WordPress. Today it competes primarily with Nginx, which is often chosen for its event-driven concurrency model at very high traffic volumes, while Apache remains valued for its flexibility and mature module ecosystem — foundational topics covered in SkillVeris's Linux & Shell Scripting course.

Key Features

Highly modular architecture with 60+ optional modules
Cross-platform support across Linux, Windows, macOS, and BSD
Flexible per-directory configuration via .htaccess files
Multiple multi-processing modules (prefork, worker, event)
Robust name-based and IP-based virtual hosting support
Built-in SSL/TLS, URL rewriting, and reverse proxy capabilities
Deep, decades-long documentation and community support
Core component of the traditional LAMP stack

Use Cases

Hosting static and dynamic websites

Reverse proxying and load balancing in front of application servers

Serving PHP-based applications such as WordPress and Drupal

Shared hosting environments needing per-directory .htaccess control

Legacy enterprise web infrastructure still in active use

Frequently Asked Questions

From the Blog

Programming

JavaScript for Beginners: The Ultimate 2026 Guide

JavaScript makes web pages interactive — master the core language that runs on every browser and server.

Learn Node.js Through Building a Music API

Node.js is JavaScript on the server, and building a REST API for your music collection is the perfect first project. This guide covers Express routes, middleware, JSON responses, and deploying to a free hosting service — all by building an API for a music playlist.

Terraform Basics: Infrastructure as Code on AWS

Terraform lets you define cloud infrastructure in code, version it in Git, and deploy it repeatably. This guide covers providers, resources, variables, outputs, state management, and real AWS examples — from a simple S3 bucket to a complete web server setup.