Apache Server Install from Source: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Greetings, tech-savvy readers! In this article, we will be discussing one of the most crucial aspects of web development – installing Apache server from source. Apache is one of the most widely-used web servers in the world, and its open-source nature makes it a popular choice among web developers.

But why install Apache server from source? Sometimes, installing it from a package manager can lead to compatibility issues with your specific operating system. Compiling Apache from source allows you to customize the installation according to your system’s specific requirements and optimize it for maximum performance.

In this article, we will take you through the step-by-step installation process of Apache server from source, along with its advantages and disadvantages. So, let’s dive in!

Apache Server Install from Source: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preparing the System

The first step in installing Apache server from source is to prepare your system. This involves installing the necessary dependencies and ensuring that your system meets the minimum requirements for Apache. Here are the steps:

Step 1.1: Update your system:

Command	Description
sudo apt update	Updates package lists for Ubuntu-based systems.
sudo yum update	Updates package lists for CentOS-based systems.

Step 1.2: Install the dependencies:

Distribution	Command
Ubuntu-based systems	sudo apt install build-essential
CentOS-based systems	sudo yum groupinstall 'Development Tools'

Step 1.3: Install additional dependencies:

Distribution	Command
Ubuntu-based systems	sudo apt install libapr1-dev libaprutil1-dev libpcre3-dev
CentOS-based systems	sudo yum install apr-devel apr-util-devel pcre-devel

After executing these commands, your system will be ready to install Apache server from source.

Step 2: Downloading and Extracting Apache Source Code

Step 2.1: Download Apache source code:

Version	Command
Apache 2.4.x	wget https://archive.apache.org/dist/httpd/httpd-2.4.x.tar.gz
Apache 2.2.x	wget https://archive.apache.org/dist/httpd/httpd-2.2.x.tar.gz

Step 2.2: Extract the downloaded file:

tar -xvzf httpd-version.tar.gz

Replace ‘version‘ with the version number you downloaded.

Step 3: Configuring and Compiling Apache

Step 3.1: Configure Apache:

cd httpd-version/

./configure --prefix=/usr/local/apache2 --enable-mods-shared=all --enable-mpms-shared=all --with-included-apr

The above command configures Apache server with all the necessary modules and shared libraries and installs it in the /usr/local/apache2 directory.

Step 3.2: Compile Apache:

make

This command compiles Apache from the source code and generates the binaries.

Step 3.3: Install Apache:

sudo make install

This command installs Apache server to the /usr/local/apache2 directory.

Step 4: Starting and Stopping Apache

Step 4.1: Start Apache:

sudo /usr/local/apache2/bin/apachectl start

This command starts the Apache server.

Step 4.2: Stop Apache:

sudo /usr/local/apache2/bin/apachectl stop

This command stops the Apache server.

Step 5: Testing Apache Server

To confirm that Apache server is running, open a web browser and navigate to ‘http://localhost’. You should see the Apache default page.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Installing Apache Server from Source

Advantages

Advantage 1: Customizability: Compiling Apache from source allows you to customize the installation according to your specific system requirements.

Advantage 2: Performance: Installing Apache from source can lead to better performance than installing it from a package manager, as it allows you to optimize the installation for your system’s specific hardware and resources.

Advantage 3: Latest Version: Installing Apache from source ensures that you are using the latest version of the software, which can lead to improved security and bug fixes.

Disadvantages

Disadvantage 1: Time-consuming: Compiling Apache from source can be time-consuming, especially on older hardware.

Disadvantage 2: Dependencies: You need to install all the necessary dependencies before compiling Apache from source, which can be confusing for new users.

Disadvantage 3: No Automatic Updates: Installing Apache from source means you will not receive automatic updates from your package manager, which can lead to security vulnerabilities unless you manually update it regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQ 1: What is Apache Server?

Apache server is an open-source web server software that is widely used to serve web pages on the Internet.

FAQ 2: Why should I install Apache server from source?

Installing Apache server from source allows you to customize the installation according to your specific system requirements and optimize it for maximum performance.

FAQ 3: What are the dependencies required for installing Apache server from source?

The dependencies required for installing Apache server from source are ‘build-essential’, ‘libapr1-dev’, ‘libaprutil1-dev’, and ‘libpcre3-dev’.

FAQ 4: Can I install Apache server from source on Windows?

Yes, you can install Apache server from source on Windows using the ‘Windows Subsystem for Linux’ feature.

FAQ 5: What is the latest version of Apache server?

The latest version of Apache server is 2.4.46, released on August 22, 2020.

FAQ 6: Can I use Apache server for commercial purposes?

Yes, you can use Apache server for commercial purposes as it is distributed under the Apache License, Version 2.0.

FAQ 7: How do I check the version of Apache server installed on my system?

You can check the version of Apache server installed on your system by executing the following command in the terminal:

/usr/local/apache2/bin/httpd -v

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Apache server from source and learned about its advantages and disadvantages. We hope this article has been helpful to you in your journey as a web developer.

Now that you have a reliable and optimized Apache server, you can start creating and deploying web applications with ease. Remember to keep your server updated and secure to ensure smooth and secure operations.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. We would be happy to help!

Closing Disclaimer

This article is not intended to provide legal or professional advice. The information presented here is for educational and informational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information presented in this article. You should consult a professional or legal expert before executing any of the procedures outlined in this article.

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