ServerType


Syntax: ServerType type
Default: ServerType standalone
Context: server config
Status: core

The ServerType directive sets how the server is executed by the system. Type is one of

inetd
The server will be run from the system process inetd; the command to start the server is added to /etc/inetd.conf
standalone
The server will run as a daemon process; the command to start the server is added to the system startup scripts. (/etc/rc.local or /etc/rc3.d/....)
Inetd is the lesser used of the two options. For each http connection received, a new copy of the server is started from scratch; after the connection is complete, this program exits. There is a high price to pay per connection, but for security reasons, some admins prefer this option. Inetd mode is no longer recommended and does not always work properly. Avoid it if at all possible.

Standalone is the most common setting for ServerType since it is far more efficient. The server is started once, and services all subsequent connections. If you intend running Apache to serve a busy site, standalone will probably be your only option.