Apache HTTP Server

Self-Hosted

Powerful open-source web server for hosting websites and applications

Overview

Apache HTTP Server is a robust, cross-platform open-source web server used globally to host websites and web apps. It supports multiple programming languages (PHP, Python), SSL/TLS encryption, URL rewriting, and virtual hosting for managing multiple sites on one server. Deployable via packages (APT, YUM) or source, it integrates with Let’s Encrypt for HTTPS. Highly customizable via modules (mod_rewrite, mod_ssl), it offers stability and scalability for small blogs to enterprise-grade apps, making it a top choice for self-hosted and commercial environments.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  apache_http_server:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: apache-http-server
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Multi-language support (PHP, Python)
SSL/TLS encryption & HTTPS
Virtual hosting for multiple sites
Module-based customization (mod_rewrite, mod_ssl)

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Apache HTTP Server hard to install?

Installation is straightforward via package managers (e.g., apt install apache2 on Debian/Ubuntu) or pre-built binaries for Windows/macOS. Basic setup takes minutes, though advanced configurations (modules, virtual hosts) require learning its config files (httpd.conf, .htaccess).

? Is it a good alternative to Microsoft IIS?

Yes—Apache is a free, open-source alternative to IIS with cross-platform support (unlike IIS’s Windows-only focus). It excels at self-hosted setups and customization, though IIS integrates better with Windows tools like .NET Framework.

? Is it completely free?

Absolutely! Apache HTTP Server is licensed under Apache License 2.0, allowing free use, modification, and distribution for personal, commercial, and self-hosted purposes without any fees.

Top Alternatives

Microsoft IIS Search Google

Oracle HTTP Server Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Web Servers

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Mature & widely adopted globally
⊕ Highly customizable via modules
⊕ Cross-platform (Linux, Windows, macOS)
⊕ Strong community support & documentation

Cons

⊖ Steeper learning curve for advanced configurations
⊖ Resource-heavy compared to lighter servers like Nginx
⊖ Requires manual optimization for high-traffic workloads