How to Check Apache Version and Build Details in Linux Bash

If you are managing a web server, it's crucial to know the version and configuration details of Apache, the world's most popular web server software. This knowledge can help in accessing compatibility, security features, and available functionalities. In this blog, we'll guide you through the steps to check the Apache version and its build details using Linux Bash.

Step 1: Accessing the Terminal

Start by accessing your terminal. If you’re using a GUI Linux distribution, you can find the terminal in your applications menu. For remote servers, you’ll likely use SSH to connect before executing commands.

Step 2: Checking if Apache is Installed

Before proceeding, ensure that Apache is installed on your system. You can check this by running:

apache2 -v

or

httpd -v

The command depends on your Linux distribution. apache2 -v is common in Debian-based distributions like Ubuntu, while httpd -v is used in Red Hat-based systems like CentOS. If Apache is installed, you will see output like:

Server version: Apache/2.4.41 (Ubuntu)
Server built:   2020-08-12T19:46:17

If the system states the command is not recognized, consider installing Apache using your package manager (for instance, sudo apt install apache2 on Ubuntu).

Step 3: Viewing Detailed Version and Build Information

For detailed version and build information, append the -V (capital V) parameter:

apache2 -V

or

httpd -V

This command will display more detailed information, including:

• Server version
• Server built date
• Server's compiled-in settings such as the installation path, user and group under which the server is running, dynamic module support, server compiled-to information, and more.

Example output:

Server version: Apache/2.4.41 (Ubuntu)
Server built:   2020-08-12T19:46:17
Server's Module Magic Number: 20120211:88
Server loaded:  APR 1.6.5, APR-UTIL 1.6.1
Compiled using: APR 1.6.5, APR-UTIL 1.6.1
Architecture:   64-bit

Step 4: Why Knowing This Information Is Essential

Understanding your Apache version and build details is crucial for several reasons: - Security: Ensuring you are running a version that has all the latest security patches. - Compatibility: Checking compatibility with other software or modules you intend to use with Apache. - Configuration: Using compile and configuration data to troubleshoot or optimize performance.

Conclusion

Regularly checking your Apache server’s version and build details is a vital maintenance practice for any system administrator or developer. It helps in maintaining security, ensuring compatibility, and aids in effective configuration and optimization of the server environment. Using simple Bash commands, this task can be accomplished with minimal effort, providing ample control over your web server stack. Always make sure to run the latest supported version of Apache, ensuring that any known vulnerabilities are patched, and features are up-to-date. Happy web serving!

Further Reading

Further reading examples based on understanding Apache version, build details, and general server management:

1. Apache HTTP Server Documentation: Provides comprehensive documentation on Apache Server configurations, including version details and security updates.

   • URL: http://httpd.apache.org/docs/

2. DigitalOcean - How To Install the Apache Web Server on Ubuntu 18.04: This guide includes step-by-step instructions on installing and managing Apache web server on Ubuntu.

   • URL: https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/how-to-install-the-apache-web-server-on-ubuntu-18-04

3. Apache Server Performance Optimization: Covers strategies for optimizing the performance of an Apache server to ensure efficient resource usage and faster response times.

   • URL: https://www.tecmint.com/apache-performance-tuning/

4. Red Hat - Configuring the Apache HTTP Server: Offers insights and procedures for configuring Apache HTTP Server under Red Hat-based Linux distributions.

   • URL: https://access.redhat.com/documentation/en-us/red_hat_enterprise_linux/7/html/system_administrators_guide/ch-web_servers

5. How to Secure Apache with Let’s Encrypt on Ubuntu: Focuses on setting up a secure Apache server using SSL certificates from Let's Encrypt.

   • URL: https://www.linode.com/docs/guides/secure-apache-with-lets-encrypt-on-ubuntu-20-04/

These resources will broaden your understanding of Apache server installation, management, optimization, and security aspects, complementing the knowledge shared in the original article.