Apache 2 Pocket Reference

For Apache Programmers & Administrators

By Andrew Ford
October 2008
Pages: 208
Series: Pocket References
ISBN 10: 0-596-51888-9 | ISBN 13: 9780596518882
(4) (Average of 1 Customer Reviews)

Description

Apache Pocket Reference offers essential information to help you configure and maintain the Apache web server quickly, with brief explanations that get directly to the point. The second edition covers Apache 2.x as well as popular Apache 1.3.x still used by many administrators. Even if you know Apache inside and out, you still need on-the-job reminders. This book gives you exactly what you need to get the job done.
Full Description

Even if you know the Apache web server inside and out, you still need an occasional on-the-job reminder -- especially if you're moving to the newer Apache 2.x. Apache 2 Pocket Reference gives you exactly what you need to get the job done without forcing you to plow through a cumbersome, doorstop-sized reference.

This Book provides essential information to help you configure and maintain the server quickly, with brief explanations that get directly to the point. It covers Apache 2.x, giving web masters, web administrators, and programmers a quick and easy reference solution.

This pocket reference includes:

Summaries of command-line options, configuration directives, and modules
Key information about Apache support utilities
What you need to know about URL rewriting, filters, caching, proxying and security

Whether you manage huge e-commerce operations, corporate intranets, or small personal websites, Apache 2 Pocket Reference is ideal for savvy administrators who no longer need detailed tutorials and just want a convenient, on-the-job reference.

Featured customer reviews

Re: Does what it promises to do, January 20 2009
Submitted by Andrew Ford |

[Respond | View]

I am glad the reviewer regards the book as useful. However, it is not really intended as an introduction to Apache, or even a complete reference - but rather a very concise reference.

My assumption in writing the book was that administrators of Apache servers will generally have some idea of what they want to achieve, but that with about 400 directives it is difficult to remember the syntax, or even the precise naming, of all the directives. Hopefully there is enough detail in there to remind the reader how to achieve particular configuration tasks, or at least provide ammunition for a targeted search.

There are further reviews of the book on the UKUUG website (http://www.ukuug.org/books/reviews/Apache2%20Pocket%20Reference/), and on Dave Cross's website (http://dave.org.uk/reviews/apache_pock.html).

Does what it promises to do, December 31 2008

Rating:

Submitted by Edmonton Linux Users Group [Respond | View]

Overall, Ford's Apache 2 Pocket Reference does what it promises to do.
According to the preface, this is to "Summarize Apache's command-line
options and the configuration directives for the modules in the standard
distribution." Applicable to version 2 of Apache, this guide is a solid
companion to the server software. With chapters on the server environment,
URL mappng, access controls, caching, SSL support, logging, proxying, and
several other more advanced areas of operation, the book is a handy
reference to have.

Something to keep in mind, however, is that it is intended to be a
reference for administrators; as such, many commands and code examples are
far above the ability level of an inexperienced user such as myself. From
my standpoint, however, this guide is becoming more and more indispensable
as my ability level increases, mainly due to the simplicity of layout.

With an included index, and fairly logical chapter layout, commands are
easy to find, and the provided explanations and code examples are easily
followed. The main downfall of Apache 2 Pocket Reference, in my opinion,
is the text formatting in code examples. It is often confusing, though I
wouldn't go so far as to call it difficult to follow, if the command is
not previously understood. Again, though, since it is intended as a
reference book, I can't really complain.

Overall, I would rate the Apache 2 Pocket Reference as a well-written,
useful reference material for users of intermediate experience levels and
upward. For the beginner, perhaps fora and http://httpd.apache.org/docs/
are better resources.

Review at http://elug.ca/reviews/apache_2_pocket_reference.shtml (http://elug.ca/reviews/apache_2_pocket_reference.shtml)

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Media reviews
"This book does exactly what the title implies. It is a complete (but concise) reference to Apace...There is a lot of information packed into this small book. No space is wasted cramming the data in. But it's not too dense to be unusable. The information is always clear and easy to follow."
-- Dave Cross, dave.org.uk

"...Summing up, this pocket reference lives up to the usual high standard we have come to expect from O'Reilly and this Apache old-timer was not at all disappointed."
-- Andy Thomas, UKUUG (the UK's Unix & Open Systems User Group)

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