How to Determine if Your Server Runs Apache or NGINX

Identifying whether your server is running Apache or NGINX is crucial for optimizing its performance, managing configuration, and ensuring security. Here, we discuss various methods to accurately discern which web server is in use.

Method 1: Checking HTTP Headers with curl or Browser Developer Tools

The HTTP headers returned by your server can provide a direct clue to its identity. You can use the terminal tool curl or web browser developer tools to inspect these headers.

Using curl:

curl -I URL

Look for the Server header in the response. Here are examples of what you might see:

Apache: Server: Apache/2.4.41 Ubuntu NGINX: Server: nginx/1.18.0

Method 2: Inspecting Default Files on the File System

For those with direct access to the server's file system, checking default configuration files can also reveal which web server is in use.

Apache: Look for files like or directories like /etc/httpd/ or /etc/apache2/. Typical Apache configuration files include or

NGINX: Check files like in the /etc/nginx/ directory.

Method 3: Running Commands via the Shell

If you have shell access, you can execute specific commands to identify the web server. Here’s an example for both Apache and NGINX:

For Apache:

apache2 -v or httpd -v

For NGINX:

nginx -v

Method 4: Examining the Process List

Checking the process list can be another way to determine which web server is running. Use the following command to search for specific processes:

ps aux grep apachex grep nginx

This will help you see if Apache or NGINX is currently running.

Method 5: Leveraging Web-Based Tools

Online services such as Netcraft or WhatIsMyServer can analyze your server and provide information to determine which web server is in use.

Conclusion

By utilizing any of these methods, you can confidently determine whether your server is running Apache or NGINX. If you encounter specific access limitations or have further questions, please let me know!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I Telnet to the Server to Determine the Web Server?

A: Yes, you can telnet to the server with HTTP and send a request. The server's response headers, such as Server: Apache/2.4.41 Ubuntu, will identify it.

Q: Can I Write a Bash Script to Check the Web Server?

A: Absolutely! Here is an example Bash script:

if [[ `ps -acx | grep apachex | wc -l` -gt 0 ]]; then
    echo "Apache is running.";
fi
if [[ `ps -acx | grep nginx | wc -l` -gt 0 ]]; then
    echo "NGINX is running.";
fi

Q: How Can I Identify Apache or NGINX from Browser Headers?

A: In a browser's address bar, Apache typically includes file extensions such as or NGINX URLs tend to be cleaner, such as /index/blog/comment/username/. Note that sometimes Python might appear as Apache, but NGINX will not if URL parameters are used in the format index/blogpost2343_filter_0u812user2657734.

Q: How Can I Use netstat to Check the Web Server?

A: While netstat -tnlp can provide useful information, you should consider that all web servers use common ports, such as 80, 8080, and 443. Checking server configuration files is a more reliable method of identification.