apache2

apache2 {start | stop | restart | reload | graceful | graceful-stop | configtest | status | fullstatus | version | help}

start
    Starts the Apache HTTP Server.

stop
    Stops the Apache HTTP Server.

restart
    Restarts the Apache HTTP Server. This involves stopping and then starting the server.

reload
    Reloads the Apache HTTP Server configuration without interrupting existing connections. This is done using `apachectl graceful`.

graceful
    Restarts the Apache HTTP Server gracefully, allowing existing connections to complete before restarting.

graceful-stop
    Stops the Apache HTTP Server gracefully, allowing existing connections to complete before stopping.

configtest
    Tests the Apache HTTP Server configuration for syntax errors without starting or restarting the server.

status
    Shows a brief status report.

fullstatus
    Shows a full status report. Requires `mod_status` to be enabled.

version
    Displays the Apache HTTP Server version information.

help
    Displays a help message with available options.

The `apache2` command is a control interface for the Apache HTTP Server. It allows you to start, stop, restart, and reload the Apache web server. It simplifies managing the Apache service and configuration on Debian-based systems.

This command provides abstractions over the lower-level systemd or init.d scripts, making it easier to manage Apache without directly interacting with those systems. It typically relies on scripts located in `/etc/init.d/apache2` or systemd unit files (e.g., `apache2.service`). It is frequently used to test changes to the configuration files or to deploy configuration changes. Correct usage is crucial for keeping the webserver online and responsive to requests. Incorrect configuration could result in service downtime or security vulnerabilities.

The `apache2` command might not be available or have the exact same functionality across different Linux distributions.
The user must have sufficient privileges (usually root or sudo) to execute most of these commands.

The main Apache configuration file is typically located at `/etc/apache2/apache2.conf`. Virtual host configurations are usually found in `/etc/apache2/sites-available/` and enabled using `a2ensite`.

Apache's access and error logs are commonly located in `/var/log/apache2/`.

The commands `a2enmod` and `a2dismod` are used to enable and disable Apache modules respectively. For Example: a2enmod rewrite will enable the rewrite module.

The `apache2` command evolved as a convenience wrapper around the underlying Apache HTTP Server control mechanisms.
Its development aimed to provide a consistent interface for managing the Apache service on Debian-based systems, abstracting away the differences between init.d scripts and systemd.

apachectl(8), httpd(8)