wikiApache2
The Apache HTTP server (in Linux systems often described as Apache2) is one of the most used webserver worldwide.[1]
It was developed by the Apache Software Foundation and is a free open-source software.[2]
Apache2 is stable, flexible and performant and has been forming the base of multiple web applications and Internet services for many years.
What is Apache2?
Apache2 is a webserver that accepts HTTP- and HTTPS-requests of clients and then delivers websites or web applications.
It supports static contents such as HTML, CSS or pictures as well as dynamic contents that are generated via script languages or backend-services.
A key feature of Apache2 is its modular structure. Functions are provided via modules that can be activated or deactivated as needed.[3]
Central characteristics
- Open Source and free to use[4]
- modular setup
- high stability and safety
- large community and extensive documentation
- cross-platform (Linux, Windows, Unix)
Typical applications
Hosting of websites
Apache2 is often used to run traditional websites, including:
- company pages
- blogs
- forums
- Wikis
- documentation portals
Multiple websites can be operated simultaneously on a server thanks to virtual hosts.[5]
Operating dynamic web applications
Apache2 is often used in combination with script and programming languages, for example:
- PHP (for example WordPress, Joomla, MediaWiki)[6]
- Python (for example über mod_wsgi)[7]
- Perl (for example via mod_perl)[8]
A classic example is the so-called LAMP-Stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL/MariaDB, PHP/Perl/Python).[9]
Important modules
Apache2 provides multiple modules including:
- mod_ssl – support for HTTPS[10]
- mod_rewrite – URL-transcriptions[11]
- mod_headers – controlling HTTP-Headers[12]
- mod_proxy – Proxy- and Reverse-Proxy-functions
- mod_auth – authentication and access control[13]
Safety
Apache2 is considered secure if it was configured correctly and updated regularly.[14]
Typical security measures include:
- use of HTTPS (TLS/SSL)
- safety updates on a regular basis
- restrictions of file rights
- use of security headers
- deactivation of unused modules
Result
Apache2 is a proven, powerful, and extremely versatile web server.
Thanks to its modular design, it is suitable for smaller private websites as well as for complexe company solutions.
The large community, the extensive documentation and the continuous development make Apache2 a cornerstone of modern web infrastructures even today.
More information
You can find installation instructions for Apache2 here: Apache2 - Installation
Source
- ↑ https://httpd.apache.org/
- ↑ https://www.apache.org/foundation/
- ↑ https://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.4/mod/
- ↑ https://www.apache.org/licenses/
- ↑ https://wiki.ubuntuusers.de/Apache/Virtual_Hosts/
- ↑ https://www.php.net/manual/en/install.apache2.php
- ↑ https://modwsgi.readthedocs.io/
- ↑ https://perl.apache.org/
- ↑ https://wiki.ubuntuusers.de/LAMP/
- ↑ https://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.4/mod/mod_ssl.html
- ↑ https://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.4/mod/mod_rewrite.html
- ↑ https://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.4/mod/mod_headers.html
- ↑ https://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.4/howto/auth.html
- ↑ https://httpd.apache.org/security/
 |
Author: Adrian Zillner Adrian Zillner has been working in Technical Service at Thomas-Krenn AG since May 2025. He is responsible for supporting customers and answering questions about technical issues.
|
 |
Translator: Alina Ranzinger Alina has been working at Thomas-Krenn.AG since 2024. After her training as multilingual business assistant, she got her job as assistant of the Product Management and is responsible for the translation of texts and for the organisation of the department.
|
