Lighttpd (pronounced “lighty”) is an open-source, high-performance web server known for being lightweight and efficient, especially with limited resources. It was originally developed for use in environments where memory and CPU usage needed to be minimized, making it suitable for high-traffic websites, servers with low hardware capabilities, and embedded systems.
Lighttpd is a versatile web server designed to be lightweight and efficient, making it an excellent choice for environments with limited resources. Its event-driven architecture allows it to handle numerous simultaneous connections with minimal memory and CPU usage. This makes Lighttpd particularly suitable for high-traffic websites, servers with low hardware capabilities, and embedded systems. The server supports multiple protocols, including HTTP/1.1 and HTTPS, and can be configured for FastCGI, SCGI, and more. Lighttpd also offers features like load balancing, compression, and robust security options, including TLS/SSL support, customizable logging, URL rewriting, and IP-based restrictions. Its modular design allows for easy integration with various programming languages, making it a flexible solution for different web hosting needs. The configuration file is straightforward, allowing for easy setup and modifications, which is beneficial for both novice and experienced administrators.
| Feature | Lighttpd | Apach2 | Nginx |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memory Usage | Low | Moderate to High | Low |
| Event-Driven | Yes | No | Yes |
| Protocol Support | HTTP/1.1, HTTPS, FastCGI, SCGI | HTTP/1.1, HTTPS, FastCGI, SCGI, AJP | HTTP/1.1, HTTPS, FastCGI, SCGI |
| Load Balancing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Compression | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Security Features | TLS/SSL, IP Restrictions, URL Rewriting | TLS/SSL, IP Restrictions, URL Rewriting | TLS/SSL, IP Restrictions, URL Rewriting |
| Configuration | Simple | Complex | Moderate |
| Performance | High | Moderate | High |
| Use Cases | Embedded Systems, Small to Medium Websites, Reverse Proxy | Large Websites, Complex Applications | High-Traffic Websites, Reverse Proxy |
To get started, Lighttpd is typically installed from package managers (e.g., apt for Debian-based systems: sudo apt install lighttpd). Configuration is handled through a primary configuration file, usually located at /etc/lighttpd/lighttpd.conf, where you can define document roots, modules, logging, and security settings. See more here for Lighttpd Installation or here for Lighttpd Configuration.