Apache Essentials

Apache is the most widely used web server on the Internet today, and that comes as no surprise—it’s open source and therefore free of charge, not to mention gloriously extensible. And it’s much more secure than other web servers.

So you’ve picked this book up and youre wondering what exactly makes it different from all those other Apache books? There are hundreds of books about Apache; books that promise to unleash its power, provide a complete reference for it, or delve into the most miniscule corners of its functionality.

The problem is that none of them talks to the average web designer or developer. Most books on Apache are written by propellerheads for propellerheads. None of them explain how to configure Apache using plain language, giving examples that matter to you—but Apache Essentials does!

In Apache Essentials, I’ll show you how to install, configure, and maintain Apache. The key features that you’ll use on a daily basis will be emphasized. You’ll learn how to host secure (SSL) sites, optimize key Apache modules, use Apache with Perl and PHP, work with Server Side Includes (SSI), and take advantage of the information contained in log files.

By the time you’re done reading this book, you’ll be an Apache superstar!

Take a friendly, non-technical approach to installing, configuring, and maintaining a web server for development and testing on Mac OS, Linux, and Windows. This new edition uses straightforward language to demystify the mechanics of the web, leading the reader through a complex topic via simple, iterative steps. The book reflects current, relevant Apache configurations and web application frameworks, and prepares the reader for working in professional web development environments.

You'll begin by reviewing a brief history of Apache that focuses on the necessary foundation to understand what these web servers are and why they are used. You'll then install a basic Apache setup on your operating system that loads a static HTML file for display in a browser. Next you'll work through progressively more detailed configurations towards a modern, secure application development environment for the two most commonly implemented development frameworks: a PHP-based framework such as Laravel or a NodeJS application.

In the end, Apache Essentials, second edition will show novice web developers and UX professionals how to quickly and confidently build and test their website changes safely and securely. 

• Install and configure Apache to support your development
• Support common development frameworks using specific configuration guides 
• Set up a secure web server for testing
• Use logs for troubleshooting and why that’s important

Who This Book Is For

UX professionals who are looking for a more technical foundation to inform their work
Front-end developers who want to set up a quick development environment. Junior developers who are expanding their knowledge of DevOps. Bootcamp graduates who need a better understanding of the systems they are using

Introduction: Revisiting Apache Essentials.- Chapter 1: Installing Apache.- Chapter 2: Configuration Essentials.- Chapter 3: Scripting languages.- Chapter 4: setting up virtual hosts for development.- Chapter 5: Securing your setup.- Chapter 6: Using log files to troubleshoot your code.- Chapter 7: Sample Apache Configurations.- Afterword.