APACHE

Apache (formally the Apache HTTP Server) is the long-running open-source web server that powered the early web and remains the default on most shared-hosting plans. It serves static files, runs PHP and other languages via modules, and supports per-directory configuration through .htaccess files, a feature unique to Apache that makes it convenient for shared hosting and WordPress sites where each user needs to override URL rewriting and security rules without touching the global config. NGINX has overtaken Apache for high-traffic and reverse-proxy workloads, but Apache's ecosystem, ubiquity on cPanel and .htaccess support keep it dominant on shared and small VPS plans.

How it works

Apache uses a worker-per-request model (prefork, worker or event MPMs) and loads modules for PHP, SSL, URL rewriting, authentication and more. It reads a global httpd.conf plus per-directory .htaccess files. mod_rewrite is the engine behind WordPress permalinks and similar URL handling.

Why it matters

For shared hosting and WordPress sites, Apache's .htaccess support is the reason it survives. For high-traffic sites and reverse-proxy roles, NGINX is now the better default. A common stack is NGINX in front, Apache behind it, getting the best of both.

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Frequently Asked Questions