# Merecat ∴ Embedded Web Server

Welcome to the Merecat web server. This is the default landing page for new installations. If you see this page, the server is running but the owner has not yet deployed their own site.

Merecat is a pun on Mongoose, forked from thttpd and grown into a capable lightweight server. It is not a real Meerkat — merely another copycat.

Feature highlights: native HTTPS via OpenSSL, reverse proxy (`proxy-pass`), gzip compression, PHP CGI, Server-Side Includes, HTTP/1.1 keep-alive, and dual HTTP + HTTPS from a single process. The resulting footprint (~140 kiB) makes it a natural fit for small and embedded systems.

Manual pages:

- merecat(8) — server daemon
- merecat.conf(5) — configuration file
- htpasswd(1) — password file utility
- ssi(8) — server-side includes

## Credits

Jef Poskanzer for creating and maintaining thttpd, mini_httpd, and other fine tools over the years — a huge source of inspiration. Also, SunShot for the meerkat photo — many thanks!