Apache and NGINX are both web servers that are used to serve and deliver web content to users over the internet. While they are similar in function, they have different underlying architectures and protocols.
Apache is one of the oldest and most widely used web servers in the world. It uses a traditional process-based model where each connection from a client is handled by a separate process. Apache can use several protocols including HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP. HTTP is the primary protocol used by Apache and is used for delivering web pages and other content over the internet.
NGINX, on the other hand, is a newer web server that uses an event-driven model. This means that instead of creating a separate process for each client connection, it uses a single thread to handle multiple connections. NGINX can also use several protocols including HTTP, HTTPS, and SMTP. HTTP is also the primary protocol used by NGINX for serving web content.
Both Apache and NGINX are highly configurable and can be customized to fit specific needs. However, NGINX is often considered to be more lightweight and efficient, making it a popular choice for high-traffic websites and web applications.