Web Servers Explained: Architecture, Configuration, and Tuning

Web Servers Explained: Architecture, Configuration, and Tuning Web servers are the frontline of most websites. They listen for requests, serve files, run code, and talk to databases or caches. A good setup helps pages load faster, stay available, and stay secure. This guide explains the main parts of a web server, how to configure them, and simple ways to tune performance. Architecture starts with the software. Common choices are Nginx, Apache, and Lighttpd. Each has strengths: Nginx is fast at serving static files and works well as a reverse proxy; Apache offers many modules and flexible rules; Lighttpd is lightweight for small servers. Behind the software is the operating system, hardware, and network. In many setups, a front-end reverse proxy handles all external traffic, then forwards requests to application servers or static file servers. A database or cache may sit nearby. Keeping this separation clear helps with scaling and security. ...

September 22, 2025 · 2 min · 420 words

Web Servers Explained: From Apache to Nginx

Web Servers Explained: From Apache to Nginx Web servers are the first stop for any web request. They listen on a port, speak the HTTP language, and send back HTML, images, or data. Two names you will meet often are Apache and Nginx. Both are mature and reliable, but they grew up with different ideas about speed and configuration. How they work Apache HTTP Server began life in the 1990s as a flexible, module-based system. It can load many extensions to add features like PHP support, URL rewriting, or access control. One practical side is the .htaccess file, which lets per-directory rules apply without touching the main config. That makes life easier on shared hosting, but it can add overhead if many requests trigger many checks. Apache can run in different modes (prefork, worker, event), so tuning the core process model matters when traffic grows. ...

September 22, 2025 · 3 min · 458 words

Web Servers Explained From Apache to Nginx

Web Servers Explained From Apache to Nginx Web servers handle requests from browsers and apps. Two popular choices are Apache and Nginx. Each has a long history and a different design. Knowing their strengths helps you choose the right tool for a site, a blog, or a small business app. What is a web server? It is software that listens on ports, accepts HTTP requests, and responds with HTML, images, or data. Behind the scenes, you can run many sites on the same server using virtual hosts. The job is to serve content reliably and fast. ...

September 21, 2025 · 2 min · 363 words