Apache is one of the most popular web server software that is developed and maintained by the Apache software foundation located in the United States. The Apache is a non -profit organization to support the various projects maintained and handled by the Apache software, which includes the Apache server. Most of the web servers across the world run by the Apache Software. The top factors to choose the Apache service are the reliability, speed, and security provided by them. By using various extensions and numerous modules the Apache can be customized as per the user's requirements.

How does the Apache work?

The Apache foundation has created a wide range of products by Apache software. Amongst them, one of the applications is the Apache server, wherein this server is not used to build any website.

The main purpose of this Apache server is to redirect all the network requests specifically the HTTP to the other applications. Later on these applications process all the requests.

Apache is the most preferred software which is easy to configure and much recommended for the beginners, it runs on a suitable multitasking operating system. And, it normally runs in the background and the binary code used is httpd under the Unix and apache.exe under Win 32. HTTP takes up a lot of memory and quite large. So in case of high traffic, other alternatives such as light httpd or Nginx are being used. The Apache receives the requests incoming from the TCP ports and fulfills the requests correspondingly. The main role of Apache is to enable communication between the networks, where the TCP ports assist in this communication process with IP addresses in the same network.

Some of the factors of the Apache are as below:

1. Price:

One of the open-source software is the Apache web server, which indicates that is available for download at no cost factor. The source code can be modified to suit every individual need. Thus, giving Apache an added advantage among its competitors without waiving any of its features. This source code status also rejects the recurring license and also support fees needed to continue to run other web server programs.

2. Features:

Apache, when compared to its high-pricing competitors, offers powerful web server programs with the best features. The Apache software includes customizable error messages, administration control panel, and authentication schemes. This virtual model allows one to run multiple websites from the same web server. The other standard features that include while installing the package are the Domain Name Service, FTP and Simple Mail Transfer Protocol(STMP) and also numerous third-party add-ons which one can install to customize one's web server. The Apache developer community also frequently produces updates, by which you can constantly have access to all the features which are the latest and also security patches.

3. Compatibility:

Various hardware configurations and operating systems are compatible with the Apache. It can run on Linux, Windows, macOS, Unix, and other existing systems. The Apache includes support for the programming languages such as PHP and Python among several other programming languages, Along with the SSL encryptions for the websites which need to elevate the security.

4. Technical Support:

Around the world, technical support for Apache is available on numerous websites. Thus giving the Apache added advantage over other programs that solely have a company website as a support source. When a bug is detected, the users of the open-source community typically formulate a patch to fix the bug and also post the solutions at a free cost on the forum sites including social media websites.

Coming to the Pros and Cons of Apache Web Server:

Ever since the creation of the Apache webserver around the world has proven to be one of the pioneer successful web servers. By the survey carried out by Netcraft, Apache has been rated the most famous WWW series over the Internet, the survey states that 67% of the web servers utilize Apache. Nonetheless, Apache has its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of Apache Web Server:

1. It is easy to install.

2.Highly reliable and better performance.

3. It is maintained regularly and updated.

4. The documents of Apache is quite extensive and useful.

5. It is flexible.

6. The source code can be modified and adjusted to the requirements.

7.No license required to install and use Apache source code and it is free of cost.

8.Has the ability to add more modules and features.

9.it creates virtual hosts on the same server.ie., many websites can run from the same server using Apache web server.

10. Technical support is quickly available on various websites all over the world.

11. Apache can run on any Operating system.

12. Without restarting, the changes made are recorded instantly.

Disadvantages of Apache Web Server:

1. New bugs can also be created while creating one's personalized protocols.

2. Requires update policy which needs to be implemented at a regular period without fail.

3. Apache is a process-based server.

4. Recognizing and disabling undesired services and modules, leaving them on, could cause serious threats.

5. One of the salient characteristics of Apache is its capability to alter its configuration. This, however, could cause a severe threat to the security, if not administered properly.

Conclusion:

Regardless of these disadvantages, Apache is still rated as one of the best in the world. Apache web server has portrayed as the main driving force behind the web extension that we see now. Apache has become the standard for forming other web server platforms. It is dynamic, and it complies completely with the prevailing HTTP measures.