How to Learn Apache Web Server
Knowing how to create a web server is important in backend web development. When you start to learn backend web development, there are a couple of options for you to learn how to create a web server.
The Apache HTTP Server has been one of the most consistent, secure, and widely popular web servers available to developers for the past 25 years.
This article takes a look at how you can learn about the Apache HTTP (Web) Server. We’ll do a step-by-step walkthrough of how to approach your learning journey and list recommendations on books, web sites, and tutorials to help you become an Apache expert!
What is Apache Web Server?
Apache HTTP Server, not to be confused with any number of Apache Software Foundation’s other projects, is an open-source web server for modern operating systems like UNIX and Windows. According to its docs, Apache exists to offer HTTP services that are up-to-date with current HTTP standards. It is maintained by developer volunteers from all over the world.
What is Apache Web Server Used for?
Apache is just one component of what we call a “solution”, or “tech”, stack. These stacks often combine Apache with other open-source tools like Linux, MySQL, and PHP to create the LAMP stack. These technologies work together to create a full-stack web application.
The Best Apache Web Server Courses and Trainings
Everyone learns a little bit differently. Compiled here are some of the best Apache courses and training that could be found. Some have a fee, but there are a few that are free as well. This list is in no particular order. For these courses, ability to perform basic Linux commands in the command-line is assumed.
Online Apache Web Server Courses
Here are some of the best Apache Courses available online:
Installing and Configuring Apache Web Server
- PluralSight
- 2h 20min, self-paced learning
- Prerequisites: Basic System Administrator Skills, Basic Linux
- Free trial to start; Monthly and Annual Subscriptions available
Software Developer and Systems Administrator Dr. Chris Brown walks you through the installation and the configuration of your Apache Web Server. This course assumes you have a little bit of knowledge of Linux and the command line, but assumes no knowledge of Apache.
Free Apache Web Server Courses
Apache How-To/Tutorials
- Apache Software Foundation
- Self-paced learning
- Prerequisites: comfortability with command line
- FREE
A free crash course in using Apache by Apache itself. The courses are a great walkthrough of the different aspects of creating an Apache HTTP server.
Apache Books
There are several books to assist in your journey to become a better administrator. Many of these books are a little dated, but they provide at least a basic knowledge in Apache so you can get started.
‘Apache Web Server: A Complete Guide’
By dedoimedo
The Apache Web Server Complete Guide walks you through the process of installing and creating an Apache Web Server. The guide is available for free in PDF format on the author’s website.
‘Linux – Apache Web Server Administration’
by Charles Aulds
This book gets you up and running by showing you how to create and run your Apache Web Server. It also takes a dive into Apache 2 if you need to be able to go in that direction. Several examples are available to help you through the building process.
Online Apache Resources
This is a list of resources that are available to help you learn, practice, or get assistance in no particular ranking or order:
Apache Documentation
A good place to take a look for assistance is to take a look at the documentation itself for Apache!
HTTP Status Code Cheatsheet
The Devhints website has an HTTP status code cheatsheet that could assist you with your server.
Should You Study Apache?
Whether or not you study Apache HTTP Server depends entirely on your needs. Take a look at companies in your area to see if Apache is a part of their solutions stack to see if it would be a good idea to learn. Companies that use Apache include:
- Slack
- New York Times
- Intuit
- SpaceX
- Shopify
- Uber
Apache is an older technology solution, but it remains to be one of the top ways to create a server in today’s tech world. Learn it if there’s a company you are interested in that is using it!
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
