Apache is a freely available open source software. It is the most widely used web server software and is developed and maintained by the Apache Software Foundation.
The importance of the web shouldn’t be underestimated, it has helped to open up the world, democratise information and is one of the greatest ever inventions.
While it has had a profound influence on the world, the web is made up of numerous different elements, such as web server software.
Apache runs on 67% of all web servers in the world and is designed to be fast, reliable and secure as well as being highly customisable so that it can meet the needs of different environments.
A web server works by checking for the web page that has been requested and gives the user the web page.
Apache, and other web servers, are then capable of handling the communications with the website, handling requests, and makes sure that the modules are ready for use. Further to this it also clears the memory, cache, and modules for new customers to use the site.
What are its features?
Version 2.0 of Apache is capable of running on most UNIX-based operating systems such as Linux, Solaris.
The open source web server was developed by a group of programmers with the first version being developed in 1995.
Named after the Native American Apache Indian tribe, it is designed to create web servers that have the ability to host one or more HTTP-based websites.
Features of it include its ability to support multiple programming languages, server side scripting, an authentication mechanism, and database support.
Flexibility is created by manipulating the code base, or by adding multiple extensions and add-ons.
Web hosting companies widely use Apache in order to provide shared/virtual hosting. By default, Apache Web Server supports and distinguishes between different hosts that reside on the same machine.
The latest version 2.4.20, was released in April of 2016.
