Nginx vs Apache: Which Web Server Works Best for You?
The two biggest web servers out there are Nginx and Apache. Together, they serve half of all web traffic online. Both pieces of server software have their strengths and weaknesses, so when do you pick one over the other?
The Nginx vs Apache debate is ongoing, especially since Nginx surpassed Apache as the most popular server software on the market. Why do people choose one over the other? What benefits does one have over the other?
What are the strengths of each server type? Which applications are each the best choice for? Read on to read about Nginx vs Apache and which is best for you!
Nginx vs Apache: History
Apache came to life in 1995, not too long after the invention of the Web it would soon run. Apache sees heavy use where server configurations matter and has many customization options. Apache also comes installed by default on the Linux operating system, though it can run on any operating system.
Nginx was born in 2004 with the need for a new server than can handle more than ten thousand connections at once, called the C10K problem. Nginx’s strength is in serving static files and came about with the need for a load balancer for Apache. The web in 2004 was expanding so fast that they needed a new solution.
Nginx vs Apache: Use Cases
Apache works as a jack of all trades, working at the tasks given to it over the last twenty-five years. The software is starting to show its age, though. As the majority of it was programmed before many of our modern web technologies debuted.
Apache works very well for things like shared hosting or a local development environment. You’ll often see Apache installed with MySQL and PHP. It’s a great way to learn web development.
Nginx, in contrast, has a more mature and curated software base. Its code undergoes a regular streamlining process to make it better. When security and stability are your key worries, Nginx is an excellent choice.
The trade-off for that is a less modular system that isn’t as configurable as an Apache server. Nginx is still a popular choice thanks to its built-in load balancer and its ability to work as a reverse proxy. It’s powerful enough for a streaming video server like Netflix to rely on.
Nginx vs Apache: Popularity Contest
Apache was the dominant force in server software for a long time. Part of that was that it was the only game in town. But, because of this, the community created many critical and useful plugins for the server that are now staples on a lot of servers.
Nginx is now an equal force in the industry, with a market share just higher than Apache thanks to its greater stability and scalability. Nginx’s popularity is hard-won in the industry and is as trusted as Apache was in its heyday. It’s a solid server type that most sysadmins now swear by.
Nginx vs Apache: Which Is Best for You?
Apache is a great server type for web hosting sites and has several great plugins to add functionality. Nginx is a much newer server type that deals better with static sites but comes with a ton of stability. The Nginx vs Apache debate will continue for years to come.
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