What’s the difference between Apache and Nginx web servers?
Asked on Sep 07, 2025
Answer
Apache and Nginx are two of the most popular web servers used today, each with distinct architectures and features. Apache is known for its process-driven architecture, while Nginx uses an event-driven, asynchronous architecture, making it more efficient in handling concurrent connections.
Example Concept: Apache uses a process-driven model where each connection requires a separate process, which can lead to higher memory usage under heavy load. Nginx, on the other hand, uses an event-driven model that can handle many connections within a single process, making it more suitable for high-traffic websites and static content delivery.
Additional Comment:
- Apache is highly configurable with its .htaccess files, allowing per-directory configuration.
- Nginx excels in serving static content quickly and efficiently due to its architecture.
- Both servers can be used together, with Nginx often serving as a reverse proxy for Apache.
- Apache supports a wide range of modules for extensibility, while Nginx has a smaller core feature set with third-party modules available.
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