How to Check if Apache or Nginx is Running on Your Server

In this article, we will explore the importance of identifying your web server and provide a step-by-step guide on how to check if Apache or Nginx is running on your server. …

In this article, we will explore the importance of identifying your web server and provide a step-by-step guide on how to check if Apache or Nginx is running on your server.

As a system administrator or a web developer, it’s essential to know which web server is running on your server. This information can be crucial for troubleshooting, configuring, and optimizing your website’s performance. In this article, we will cover the concept of identifying your web server, its importance, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to check if Apache or Nginx is running on your server.

What is a Web Server?

A web server is a software that hosts and serves websites over the internet. It listens for incoming requests from clients (web browsers) and responds with the requested resources (HTML pages, images, videos, etc.). The two most popular web servers are Apache and Nginx.

Importance of Identifying Your Web Server

Knowing which web server is running on your server can help you:

• Troubleshoot issues: By identifying your web server, you can quickly diagnose problems related to configuration, security, or performance.
• Configure settings: Each web server has its own set of configurations and directives. Knowing your web server allows you to optimize settings for better performance.
• Optimize website performance: Different web servers have different strengths and weaknesses. Identifying your web server helps you choose the best optimization techniques.

How to Check if Apache or Nginx is Running on Your Server

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you identify which web server is running on your server:

Step 1: Use the netstat Command (Linux/Unix)

Open your terminal and run the following command:

sudo netstat -tlnp | grep http

This command displays all active internet connections, including the ones related to HTTP. Look for lines that contain “http” or “80” (the default HTTP port). If you see a process named “apache2” or “httpd,” it indicates Apache is running.

Step 2: Use the ps Command (Linux/Unix)

Run the following command:

sudo ps aux | grep http

This command displays all processes currently running on your system. Look for lines that contain “http” or “apache.” If you see a process named “apache2” or “httpd,” it indicates Apache is running.

Step 3: Check the Server Signature (Any OS)

Open your web browser and navigate to your website. Press F12 or right-click on the page and select “Inspect” to open the developer tools. Switch to the “Network” tab and refresh the page.

In the “Response Headers” section, look for a header named “Server.” This header indicates which web server is running on your server. If you see “Apache” or “nginx,” it confirms the respective web server is running.

Step 4: Use Online Tools (Any OS)

You can use online tools like Netcraft or BuiltWith to detect which web server is running on your website. Simply enter your website’s URL and click the “Scan” button.

Conclusion

In this article, we covered the importance of identifying your web server and provided a step-by-step guide on how to check if Apache or Nginx is running on your server. By following these steps, you can quickly determine which web server is hosting your website and take necessary actions for optimization and troubleshooting.

Summary:

• Use netstat command to identify active HTTP connections.
• Use ps command to display all processes related to HTTP.
• Check the Server Signature in response headers.
• Use online tools like Netcraft or BuiltWith to detect web server.