moddav

mod_dav is an Apache HTTP Server module that provides WebDAV functionality. It implements the WebDAV protocol, enabling clients to create, modify, move, copy, delete, and manage properties of resources on a remote server. It serves as a protocol layer rather than a storage backend; actual data storage is provided by a backend such as mod_dav_fs, which maps WebDAV resources to files and directories on the local filesystem.

Core features include support for WebDAV methods such as PROPFIND, PROPPATCH, MKCOL, PUT, GET, DELETE, MOVE, COPY, LOCK, and UNLOCK, plus per-resource locking and property management. The module is designed to be used with a backend and with Apache's authentication and authorization to control access.

Configuration typically involves loading the dav and dav_fs modules, then enabling WebDAV in a Location or Directory block with commands such as Dav on and DavLockDB to specify the lock database location. Access control is enforced through standard Apache directives (Require, Allow, etc.).

Common use cases include remote file management and collaborative authoring. WebDAV clients and some operating systems offer built-in WebDAV support, allowing users to mount a remote WebDAV share or edit documents directly on the server. For more advanced workflows, mod_dav can be used alongside other tools, such as Subversion via mod_dav_svn.

Security considerations include enforcing authentication, using HTTPS to protect credentials, and configuring appropriate permissions to prevent unauthorized writes. mod_dav is widely used as a foundation for WebDAV-enabled deployments on Apache.