What Is Apache Tomcat Server? (Advantages & Features)

What is tomcat server? It is an open-source Java servlet container and the primary objective of using it is to implement the various Java Enterprise Specs that include the Websites API, Java-Server Pages, and Java Servlet. The Tomcat or the Apache Tomcat was developed under the open-source environment in the year 1998. The various developer has contributed in the development of the components of the Tomcats since its beginning.

The Tomcat began the journey as the reference frame for implementing the very first Java-Server Pages and the Java Servlet API. Both the technology did not last long, however, it has built the foundation in developing the upgraded version of the Tomcat, which later pursue by the Tomcat developers.

The older version of the Tomcat is still widely used by the java server due to various features such as extensibility of the application, stable core engine, well tested by expert developers, and its durability. In this article, we are going to explain what is tomcat server and how it works. There is much to cover. So, let’s dive in!

What Is Java Servlet?

It is software developed to facilitate the web server to manage the dynamic Java-based content with the help of the HTTP protocols. We highly recommend reading more about how does a web server work !

What Is Apache Tomcat Server?

Even if you are a beginner in web application and server-related terminology, you might have heard the words such as the HTTP Protocol. In the simplest language, the HTTP protocol is used to access the website content on the server. Let’s say you want to display static content on your website using the HTML coding language. Or you want to send the data from a server. All these functionalities are managed by the server and they are run on the HTTP protocol to produce the outcome in a safe environment.

Suggest you read our article about difference between web server and application server

The static website is generally run on the HTTP server, but if you want to display the content using the dynamic website then you have to use the servlet. The web content is served using the HTTP Server. It requires the container to run the Servlet. When you combine both the HTTP and Servlet together, they become the Tomcat server. In order to simply define what is Tomcat software, it would be better to say that it holds the characteristics of both the HTTP server and Servlet container . If you are asking yourself who developed the tomcat application, we should say that its original author is

James Duncan Davidson.If you are wondering what does an application server do , don’t miss this article!

Is Tomcat an Application Server?

It is an open-source application server that executes Java Servlets, renders, and delivers web pages that include JavaServer Page code, and Java EE applications.

How Apache Tomcat Works?

Now that you are familiar with what is Tomcat server, it is time to mention how tomcat server works? Tomcat offers the needed resources and methods for the deployment of Java web apps. Wondering about the deploying process of an application? Well, deploying an app is pretty simple as you’ll only need to locate the war file or directory containing that web application in the folder called web apps. Also, there are some programmed apps that will enable you to upload a file in order to deploy it on a server.

The fundamentals of Java web application are not so relevant to this article, but to make things clear a Java web application is an application that you could get access to through a browser. Basically, Java apps are similar to websites but more dynamic in some ways. Taking that users are familiar with a web application, Apache Tomcat is one of the proper tools for serving a dynamic website. As Apache Tomcat is fast and lightweight, it could be much better than the alternative options.

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What Is Tomcat Used For?

If we want to mention what is the use of apache Tomcat server, we have to say that the Tomcat server is best for the Java Ecosystem . Java supports a wide variety of application servers. There are many server applications available in the industry similar to Tomcat. Let discuss where the Tomcat stands in the competition. A servlet container application is used to embed the Java Servlet specification. It is mainly used to provide the foundation for hosting Java servlets.

The Java enterprise application server is beneficial for the implementation of the Java Specification. You may have heard about the webserver. The webserver works as the remote access to the physical computer design to serve the files. A local system such as Apache is used to render the data and present it to the web application by using internet connectivity. You can access the data of the web server anywhere from the world

The Apache Tomcat work in the center while Java Server Pages and Servlet are used to produce the dynamic pages. It is one of the server-side programming languages that facilitate the developer to run and perform independent dynamic content creation. Moreover, the Servlet provides the platform to run the Java-based software component. The application enables the developer to extend the core features to enhance the capabilities of the server.

You can host various web applications on the web servers. The application is capable of running several requests at a time without crashing. When it comes to routine, the Tomcat handles the routing very well. From a developer’s point of view, you just have to write the java server pages or the servlet and let the rest is managed by the Tomcat server.

Additionally, you get to enjoy the other features of the Tomcat such as the Coyote engine. Use the Coyote engine to run several Java enterprise applications including the Java Persistence API. Tomcat is consistently in the upgrade mode where new features are introduced to improve the core functionality of the application. The Tomcat extended version which is known as the “TomEE” comes with the more advanced enterprise features.

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Advantages of Tomcat Server

There are various reasons that make the Tomcat server is a good choice. In the following, we are going to mention the most important features and say why is Apache Tomcat good:

1- Open Source Application

One of the important apache tomcat features is that it is an open-source application. It is released with the general public license. It means anyone can use the core file for developing personal or commercial applications using the software. It is available for free download and installation on your computer license.

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2- Lightweight

When it comes to the development of the enterprise-level application, you need the support of a lightweight application that runs smoothly. The Tomcat application stands still in the lightweight application giving it more flexibility in the development of the application.
It gives you fast data processing power that enables the deployment of the content easily. Compare to the competitor, Tomcat is way ahead of technology.

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3- Flexible

Tomcat server application comes with built-in customization options. The extension of the core application provides the Tomcat more advantage in the development of the application. Lightweight nature offers more flexibility.
Users can take the advantage of the features to run the application differently to fulfill their requirements. Tweak the application the way you want and it will perform the best to generate the results.

4- Stability

Tomcat software has gone through several essential upgrades. It is now one of the stable platforms on the web that runs the application smoothly. People have considered the application as an incredibly stable version of the Tomcat that runs independently on apache installation.
Even if one of the features failed to run the application due to an error, the rest of the server runs well without any trouble. This makes your application live all the time.

5- Extra Level of Security

Tomcat application provides an extra level of security to the user. Many corporates would like to put their data behind the firewall protection which is generally accessible from the apache installation.

6- Well Documented

The Tomcat application is well documented which provides comprehensive information to the developer who wants to learn the Tomcat application development. Various web-based tutorial services are offering the free course for Tomcat. Information including installation guide, startup settings, server configuration, platform support is some of the information easily available on the web.

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Disadvantages of Tomcat Server

Tomcat might not be as fast as Apache when it comes to static analysis
The memory leak is one of the weak spots of Tomcat
You might encounter some complications in SSL installation with Tomcat
Tomcat’s user interface is primary and not as high quality as it should be

Difference Between Apache and Tomcat Server

There are some differences between these two. Read the table below to precisely compare Apache web server vs tomcat application server.

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The Installation Operation of Tomcat

As there are many different versions of Tomcat and every single one offers various features, you may choose the version that’ll meet your needs.

Step 1

Reach Tomcat’s website and download your chosen version of Tomcat (To reach the website, click here)

Step 2

Once you’re done with the downloading process you’ll need to click the received file and wait a little while until the installation process is started. Now that the installation process is initiated, you may click the Next button.

Step 3

At this stage, you have the click the “I Agree” button to proceed.

Step 4

You have to click the Next button once again.

Step 5

Now you may enter your user name as well as password and click Next.

Step 6

There is another Next button that you’ll need to click.

Step 7

At this stage, you may click Install. Wait for a while till Tomcat gets installed.

Step 8

Once the installation process is done you can click the Finish button. You may need to restart your computer after installation, then you can run Tomcat by clicking on its icon.

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When Is It Best To Use Tomcat?

Apache Tomcat is mainly used for serving Java web apps but doesn’t require full Java EE specifications. As Tomcat is more of a web server or servlet container, it can’t act as a full application server. Indeed, Tomcat can’t offer the full feature set from the Java EE, but that doesn’t mean it’s a disadvantage. Many applications require just the features that Tomcat offers, so it’s not wise to bother with heavier and more complicated tools dealing with these apps. Generally speaking, Tomcat is a production-ready tool that’ll come in handy with many web apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is Tomcat Called Tomcat?

One of the common questions that comes to mind is how did tomcat get its name. James Duncan Davison who was a software architect at Sun gave it this name. He hoped that by choosing a name of an animal, he could make it easy for O’Reilly at the time of publishing their book.

Is Tomcat Free To Use?

Tomcat is a free implementation of Sun’s Java Servlets which is used for web applications written in Java. It originates from Apache Foundation’s Jakarta project which its mission is to provide java tools.

Where Tomcat Is Installed on Linux?

By setting up JAVA_HOME environment variables, you’ll be able to run Tomcat on Linux. Editing .bashrc could be a good choice, as it’ll also enable an automatic start for Tomcat.

Where Tomcat Is Installed on Mac?

You can use the Terminal application which is mostly used by programmers or graphical user interface for common uses to issue commands and prepare the environment to run Tomcat on mac.

How To Install Tomcat on Windows?

You can install Tomcat on Windows with no complication as it doesn’t really matter what setting you selected. You need to visit

the https://tomcat.apache.org website. Scroll down and click on the Tomcat 9 link within the left menu. Then you should click on the 32-bit/64-bit Windows Service Installer link. It will automatically open the Windows Service Installer.

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Who Uses Tomcat?

According to recent statistics, more than 80 thousand companies from all over the world use Apache Tomcat. Most of these companies are located in the united states and happen to be in the Computer applications industry.

Is Tomcat Still Popular?

Definitely yes, Tomcat is the most popular application that is used for Java web application deployment. Tomcat is operating almost 60% of all Java application server deployments.
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