On the previous blog, we defined what is a Web Server and how it works for Web Development. That is, in the context of this blog, we will briefly discuss the Apache web server. We’ve only scratched the surface of what a web server performs throughout the HTTP server/client transaction, but there’s a lot more going on.
What is Apache?
Apache is a prominent open-source, cross-platform web server that is the most widely used web server. It is established and maintained by the Apache Software Foundation. Modules are typically precompiled into Apache or PHP or called up at runtime to accomplish this. Apache also has many built-in modules. The modules that handle security, in addition to the PHP module, are the most crucial for your objectives as a web programmer.
How does it work?
Although Apache is referred to as a web server, it is actually a piece of software that operates on an HTTP server. Its job is to establish a connection between a server and website users’ browsers while transferring files between them (client-server structure / response-request procedure). The Apache software can run on any operating system, including Windows and Unix. When a visitor requests a page on your website, their browser sends a request to Apache, which responds with all of the required files. The HTTP protocol is used to communicate between the server and the client, and the Apache web server is in charge of ensuring that the two machines interact smoothly and securely.
Apache’s open-source infrastructure allows for a lot of customization. As a result, web developers and users can customize the source code to fit the type of website they’re building. Furthermore, it has a number of modules that allow server administrators to toggle on and off extra features it also include security, URL rewriting, password authentication, and other capabilities.