Apache HTTP Server is a web server that accepts HTTP requests and serves files or passes processing to an application. It can host a Joomla website together with PHP and a database server.
Its role in a website
Apache selects a virtual host according to the request and server configuration. A virtual host defines the site directory, domain names, logs and other settings. Static files can be served directly, while a PHP handler executes Joomla’s application code.
PHP-FPM manages PHP processes rather than replacing the HTTP server. Apache can forward PHP requests to it. Some installations place Nginx in front of Apache, so the whole request chain affects site behaviour.
.htaccess and mod_rewrite
An .htaccess file provides permitted directory-level configuration. Its effect depends on AllowOverride and other Apache settings. mod_rewrite transforms request paths, for example routing Joomla page requests to the application’s entry point.
Apache rules cannot simply be copied to Nginx, which does not read .htaccess. Before enabling URL rewriting, check the actual hosting setup and guidance for the installed Joomla release.
Checking changes
An invalid directive may produce a 500 response, while an incorrect redirect can create a loop. Keep the original configuration, use the server’s configuration checks and test actual Joomla pages. Access and error logs help distinguish web server problems from PHP errors.
Summary
Apache handles web requests, while Joomla generates content using PHP and its database. Relevant configuration includes virtual hosts, .htaccess permissions and the PHP handler.