Apache History: A History of Conflict and Resolution

The Apache HTTP Server, commonly referred to as Apache, has a rich and complex history that spans over two decades. From its humble beginnings as a small project to its current status as one of the most popular web servers in the world, Apache has faced numerous challenges and conflicts along the way.

Early Days

The Apache project was first started in 1995 by Brian Behlendorf, Ralf S. Engelschall, and Cliff Skolnick, among others. The initial goal was to create a web server that was faster and more secure than the popular NCSA HTTPd server. The project was named “Apache” after the Apache web server for the Apache Group, which was a loose collective of developers working on the project.

The Apache Software Foundation

In 1999, the Apache Software Foundation (ASF) was formed as a non-profit organization to oversee the development and distribution of the Apache HTTP Server. The ASF was established to provide a framework for the Apache project and to ensure that the software was developed and maintained in a transparent and collaborative manner.

Conflicts and Controversies

Despite its success, the Apache project has not been without its conflicts and controversies. One of the most notable examples is the “Apache vs. Apache” controversy, which arose in 2001 when a group of developers broke away from the main Apache project to form a new organization called the Apache Software Foundation (ASFA). The split was caused by disagreements over the direction of the project and the role of the ASF.

Resolution and Growth

The conflict between the two Apache organizations was eventually resolved in 2002, with the ASFA merging back into the main Apache project. The incident highlighted the importance of open communication and collaboration in the development of open-source software.

Current Status

Today, the Apache HTTP Server is one of the most popular web servers in the world, with over 100 million websites using the software. The Apache Software Foundation continues to oversee the development and distribution of the software, with a global community of developers and users contributing to its growth and success.

Conclusion

The history of Apache is a testament to the power of open-source software and the importance of collaboration and community in its development. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a global phenomenon, Apache has faced numerous challenges and conflicts along the way. However, through its commitment to transparency, collaboration, and open communication, the Apache project has been able to overcome these obstacles and continue to grow and thrive.