How to install Apache on Ubuntu

Apache is a mature, compatible web server, favored for PHP apps that use .htaccess. Here is how to install it.

1. Install

apt-get update -y
apt-get install -y apache2
systemctl enable --now apache2

2. Create a virtual host

Create /etc/apache2/sites-available/mysite.conf:

<VirtualHost *:80>
    ServerName example.com
    DocumentRoot /var/www/mysite
</VirtualHost>

a2ensite mysite
a2dissite 000-default
systemctl reload apache2

3. Enable URL rewriting

For .htaccess and friendly URLs:

a2enmod rewrite
systemctl restart apache2

Nginx or Apache?

Nginx is faster for static files and high traffic; Apache is simpler with PHP apps that rely on .htaccess. For new sites, see also How to install Nginx.