Open source web servers. 4 options for all tastes

Open source web servers

With a previous article We talked about why Linux is the best option to operate a web host. Now let's see some open source options for web servers.

The term "web server" refers to both hardware and software.

From a hardware point of view, a web server is a computer that stores the web server software and the component files of a website. (for example, HTML documents, images, CSS style sheets, and JavaScript files). It is connected to the Internet and supports the exchange of physical data with other devices connected to the web. In the case of software, A web server includes several components that control the way that web users access hosted files.

The main component of a web server is an HTTP server. It is a computer program that understands URLs (web addresses) and support for HTTP (the protocol that browsers use to access web pages). Access to the resources of a server is done by typing a domain name or an IP address in the browser bar.

The basic operating mechanism is as follows. Whenever a user wants to view a page that is hosted on a web server, the browser requests the page via HTTP. When the request reaches the correct web server (hardware), the HTTP server (software) accepts the request, finds the requested page or an error message if not, and displays the result also using the HTTP protocol.

Web servers can be of two types:

  • Static: It is a computer with an HTTP server that shows a website as it was uploaded.
  • Dynamic: The software layer consists of a static web server plus additional software such as an application server and a database engine. The application server updates the hosted files before sending them to the browser through the HTTP server.

Web servers don't just send content, they can also receive it. This is the case of websites that include functions such as forms or file uploads.

To improve user interaction with websites, many servers have support for programming languages that allow you to perform operations such as sending forms by email, performing mathematical operations, implementing search functions, etc.

According to the available statistics, 80% of Internet pages are run using open source web servers.

The ranking of the 5 most used web servers is distributed as follows:

  • Apache 37,2%
  • Nginx 32,4%
  • Cloudflare (proprietary) 15,0%
  • Microsoft IIS (proprietary) 7,3%
  • LiteSpeed ​​6,8%

Open source web servers. Some options

Apache HTTP Server

With a history of 25 years behind him, this trustworthy server It has versions for Linux, Windows and Mac. It is built using a modular architecture which allows functions to be added as they are needed.

It has complete documentation and due to its age and popularity the web is full of tutorials on how to configure it.

Nginx

Designed to support multiple simultaneous connections, be servedr is built using an event-driven asynchronous architecture. I know characterized by its efficient use of resources and by being easily scalable.

lighttpd

This server characterized by its low memory usage, low demand on CPU resources and fast execution. It is also designed with an architecture to respond to events and supports multiple simultaneous connections.

Lighthttpd web server has support for FastCGI, SCGI, Auth, outbound compression, and url rewriting

caddy 2

Uno of the newer projects, it is written using the GO language and imdefaults to the HTTPS protocol so there is no need to do anything to install and renew the SSL certificates. Its security policy makes it less vulnerable to Heartbleed-type attacks.

Since you don't need to use host OS libraries it can be installed without worrying about dependency problems.

It is a software for those who want not having to worry about settings. If you need flexibility, you will have to look elsewhere.


Be the first to comment

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

*

*

  1. Responsible for the data: AB Internet Networks 2008 SL
  2. Purpose of the data: Control SPAM, comment management.
  3. Legitimation: Your consent
  4. Communication of the data: The data will not be communicated to third parties except by legal obligation.
  5. Data storage: Database hosted by Occentus Networks (EU)
  6. Rights: At any time you can limit, recover and delete your information.