Introduction to Apache Server

If you want to host a website or Application online you will look for a hosting service provider or a web server. But have you ever thought about how this Web server works? 

There are many Web Server Software to help the server communicate with the browsers in the market. The best and nameable one is the Apache Server. In this article, you will get to know about the Apache Server and the way of working.  

Before getting to know about the Apache Web Server you should first know what a Web Server is. So here is a short introduction for you. 

What is a Web Server? How does it work?

As we all know, a server is a large computer with high efficiency to deal with large and complex processes. There are many types of servers like File Server, Database Servers, Web Servers, and Mail Servers. 

All of them are meant to access the data stored or collected in different ways based on their purpose. The function of the web server is to host or serve the websites on the internet. 

Here is an example for your understanding, 

When you (client) enter the site name (domain) or URL in the browser, it will be sent to the web server. It will then check the request and send back the respected site’s data stored in the server memory to the browser. And then the browser will decrypt the file and show you the site details in a visual format. 

Now you understand the functioning of the web server. But all the servers are designed in the same format like all of them have processors, storage space, etc… Then how does a server become a Web Server? It is because of the Software (like Apache) used in the server. 

In short, the web server application is like the middlemen in client-server communication. They are just like the music application on our phones. Music application requests the Android (OS) to access the memory and play the music. Here, the web server software receives the request from the client and commands the server’s OS to send the data to respected clients. 

What is Apache Server?

Apache is an open-source Web Server Software that helps website owners to serve their site content on the internet. As it is open-source it is free to use and modify. It has a good name among the website and server owners for its long history. 

The development of the Apache Web Server started back in 1995. It achieved its popularity in 2000 and became one of the most used Web servers by serving 50% of the websites around the world.

 The open-source nature of the Apache helped a lot in its development. Apache uses the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) to transfer the files between the server and client and it is also called as Apache HTTP Web server. 

How does it work?

Though we call it an Apache web server, technically it is not a physical server it’s just software that runs on the server. So it works, in the same way, explained above. 

When a browser (client) sends the request to the server, Apache checks for the site data. If the site data is found, it will be sent back the requested file in an HTTP way. If the data is not found it sends back the error message mentioning the issue. The most common error message is ‘404 Site not found’.

Advantages of Apache Web Server

• Open Source and free for commercial use.
• Reliable, stable, and secure
• You can easily add other modules to the software if needed. 
• There is a huge community and support so any problem can be fixed easily. 
• Easy to configure and works well with the WordPress site. 
• It works both in Windows and Unix Server OS and beginner-friendly. 

Conclusion

Although many new players have entered the Web Server market it doesn’t affect the popularity of Apache. Still, it holds 40% of the market in its hand. So there is no need for you to doubt the quality of the Apache Web server. 

If you have any further doubt about the Apache Web Server please leave them in the comment section below.

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