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run web serving, TLS, virtual hosts, and reverse proxying through a modular server configuration

OSS scale score 249.1OSS health 86Update pace 119 commits/30d
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Stars
4,035
Primary language
C
License
Apache-2.0
Repository last updated
Oct 2, 2026
On this page

Overview

Apache HTTP Server is a modular web server for static content, TLS termination, virtual hosts, reverse proxying, and load balancing. Multi-Processing Modules and a large module ecosystem let operators adapt process/thread behavior and enabled capabilities to the deployment.

Features and best fit

Based on official documentation; not hands-on tested · Content checked:

Key features

Compose server roles with virtual hosts and modules

Name- and IP-based virtual hosts separate multiple sites, while modules provide rewriting, authentication, proxying, caching, and other capabilities that can be enabled as needed.

Sources: [1][3]

Proxy and load-balance requests to backend services

The mod_proxy family can forward requests to backend services and distribute traffic across multiple workers, making httpd useful for TLS termination, routing, and load balancing in front of application servers.

Sources: [5]

Choose process and thread behavior through an MPM

A Multi-Processing Module defines how connections are handled with processes and threads. Deployments choose event, worker, prefork, or another MPM according to platform, modules, and workload characteristics.

Sources: [6]

Best fit

Fits environments centralizing sites, TLS, and proxying in one server layer

It fits environments that want one configuration system for static delivery, enterprise sites, reverse proxying to existing applications, and multiple-domain virtual hosts.

Sources: [1][3]

Before adoption

2.4.69 is current stable and the 2.2 line is EOL

Version 2.4.69, released October 1, 2026, is the current stable release. The 2.2 line reached end of life in 2017 and no longer receives security updates.

Sources: [2]

Source builds require APR, APR-Util, PCRE2, and build prerequisites

Source builds on Unix-like systems require a C compiler, make, APR/APR-Util, PCRE2, and related prerequisites. Distribution packages may use configuration paths and module layouts that differ from upstream documentation.

Sources: [4]

Validate configuration before graceful operational changes

Production changes should be checked with httpd -t or apachectl configtest, then applied with an appropriate graceful operation when minimizing disruption to existing connections matters.

Sources: [7]

Official sources

  1. [1]Apache HTTP Server(2026-10-03)
  2. [2]Apache HTTP Server download(2026-10-03)
  3. [3]Apache HTTP Server 2.4 documentation(2026-10-03)
  4. [4]Compiling and Installing(2026-10-03)
  5. [5]mod_proxy(2026-10-03)
  6. [6]Multi-Processing Modules(2026-10-03)
  7. [7]httpd program reference(2026-10-03)
Supplemental curator note

Apache httpd is useful when one server needs to combine static delivery, TLS termination, reverse proxying, and multiple virtual hosts. Distribution packages often use different configuration layouts from upstream source builds, so operating procedures should also follow the target OS documentation.

Try it in 3 steps

  1. 1

    Download Apache HTTP Server 2.4.69

    Extract the official release source. For production use, also verify the PGP signature or checksum as instructed on the download page.

    curl -LO https://dlcdn.apache.org/httpd/httpd-2.4.69.tar.gz && tar xzf httpd-2.4.69.tar.gz
  2. 2

    Build for port 8080 under your home directory

    This avoids requiring root for the quick test. APR/APR-Util, PCRE2, a C compiler, make, and other build prerequisites must already be available.

    cd httpd-2.4.69 && ./configure --prefix="$HOME/apache2" --with-port=8080 && make && make install
  3. 3

    Start the server and request localhost

    A returned default document confirms the minimal setup. Stop it with $HOME/apache2/bin/apachectl -k stop.

    $HOME/apache2/bin/apachectl -k start && curl http://localhost:8080/
Check the official README

Growth

Growth trends · Last 30 days

4,035 Stars

Trend data is still being collected.

Development activity

Last 90 days · weekly

Commits (last 30 days)
119
Open PRs
84

Development activity is still being collected.

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GitHub data

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GitHub Topics

  • httpd
Stars
4,035
Forks
1,358
Watchers
255
Open issues
0
Contributors
53
Owner type
Organization
Primary language
C
License
Apache-2.0
Repository last updated
Oct 2, 2026
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