Apache is the world’s most widely used, cross-platform HTTP web server that is frequently deployed on Linux and Unix systems for hosting websites or web applications. Importantly, it's simple to install and comes with a straightforward configuration.

[ You might also like: How to Hide Apache Version Number and Other Sensitive Info ]In this guide, we will walk you through how to check the uptime of an Apache web server on a Linux system using several methods as explained below.

1. Systemctl Command

The systemctl command serves as a utility for managing the systemd system and service manager; it's commonly used to start, restart, stop services, and more.

The systemctl status sub-command is used to display the current state of a service. You can use it to verify whether your Apache web server is running.

<code>$ sudo systemctl status apache2   #Debian/Ubuntu 
# systemctl status httpd      #RHEL/CentOS/Fedora </code>

[ You might also like: Useful Commands to Manage Apache Web Server in Linux ]### 2. Apachectl Command

The apachectl utility is designed to manage and control the Apache web server. It's typically used for starting, stopping, restarting, and performing other administrative tasks related to Apache.

<code>$ sudo apachectl start       [Start Apache web server]
$ sudo apachectl stop        [Stop Apache web server]
$ sudo apachectl restart     [Restart Apache web server]
$ sudo apachectl graceful    [Graceful Restart of Apache web server]
$ sudo apachectl configtest  [Check Apache Configuration]
$ sudo apachectl -V          [Check Apache Version]
$ sudo apachectl status      [Check Apache Status]</code>

The apachectl tool can also be used to enable or disable Apache modules. One such module is mod_status, which provides a web-based interface showing real-time information about the Apache server's performance and status.

Enable Apache Server Status in Debian/Ubuntu

By default, the Apache server-status feature is enabled within the /etc/apache2/mods-enabled/status.conf configuration file.

<code>$ sudo vi /etc/apache2/mods-enabled/status.conf</code>

Within the <location></location> block, include the following lines to permit access from specific IPs or your local network.

You may also use Require all granted to allow unrestricted access, but keep in mind the potential security risks.

After making changes, save the file and restart Apache to apply them:

<code>$ sudo service apache2 restart</code>

Enable Apache Server Status in RHEL Systems

To activate the server-status functionality in RHEL-based systems, create a new file as follows:

<code># vi /etc/httpd/conf.d/server-status.conf</code>

Add the following content into the file:

<code><location>
    SetHandler server-status
    Require ip your_ip_address_or_network
</location></code>

Save and exit the file, then restart the web service:

<code># systemctl restart httpd</code>

If you're working from the terminal, you may need a text-based browser like lynx or links:

<code>$ sudo apt install lynx     #Debian/Ubuntu
# yum install links     #RHEL/CentOS</code>

Then run the following to view Apache uptime:

<code>$ apachectl status</code>

Alternatively, open the following URL in a graphical browser to view detailed server status:

<code>http://localhost/server-status
OR
http:SERVER_IP/server-status</code>

3. ps Command

The ps command is used to display information about currently running processes on a Linux system. Combined with grep, it can be used to determine the uptime of the Apache service.

Flags explanation:

• -e – selects all active processes.
• -o – defines custom output fields (comm – command name, etime – elapsed time, user – process owner).

<code># ps -eo comm,etime,user | grep apache2
# ps -eo comm,etime,user | grep root | grep apache2
OR
# ps -eo comm,etime,user | grep httpd
# ps -eo comm,etime,user | grep root | grep httpd</code>

The output below shows the apache2 process has been active for 4 hours, 10 minutes, and 28 seconds (pay attention only to the instance started by root).

Additional recommended reading:

You might also like:

• 13 Apache Web Server Security and Hardening Tips
• How to Check Which Apache Modules are Enabled/Loaded in Linux
• 5 Tips to Boost the Performance of Your Apache Web Server
• How to Password Protect Web Directories in Apache Using .htaccess File

This article has covered three effective methods for checking the uptime of the Apache/HTTPD service on Linux systems. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments section below.

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