Apache HTTP Server vs. Kestrel vs. Mako Server vs. python-sql Comparison Chart

The Apache HTTP Server Project is an effort to develop and maintain an open-source HTTP server for modern operating systems including UNIX and Windows. The goal of this project is to provide a secure, efficient and extensible server that provides HTTP services in sync with the current HTTP standards.

The Mako Server is a compact, event-driven web and application server designed for resource-constrained systems. Engineered for embedded environments, it combines a lightweight HTTP/HTTPS server with a Lua scripting engine, enabling high-level development with direct access to low-level C code. Its architecture delivers high performance, low memory use, and secure integration, making it ideal for systems that can’t support heavier frameworks but require dynamic web interfaces or APIs. The server supports live updates, built-in debugging, and Lua Server Pages (LSP), offering PHP-like scripting optimized for embedded use. Common use cases include device portals, diagnostic dashboards, REST APIs, and real-time WebSocket interfaces. Lua’s speed and small footprint align perfectly with the Mako Server’s goals. More than just a web server, Mako is a comprehensive framework that enables developers to integrate modern, secure, web-enabled features into compact devices.