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Apache HTTP Server vs JBoss: What are the differences?
Key Differences between Apache HTTP Server and JBoss
Apache HTTP Server and JBoss are both popular web server software solutions, but they have several key differences that set them apart.
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Architecture and Purpose:
- Apache HTTP Server is a simple and lightweight web server designed primarily to serve static content efficiently. It follows a modular architecture and can be extended using various modules for additional functionality.
- JBoss, on the other hand, is a full-fledged application server that provides a comprehensive platform for developing, deploying, and hosting Java-based enterprise applications. It includes support for Java EE (Enterprise Edition) standards and offers features like clustering, caching, and load balancing.
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Supported Technologies:
- Apache HTTP Server supports various standard web technologies like HTTP, SSL, and CGI. It can also integrate with PHP, Perl, and other scripting languages.
- JBoss, being an application server, supports a wide range of technologies beyond just HTTP. It provides support for Java Servlets, JavaServer Pages (JSP), Enterprise JavaBeans (EJBs), Java Message Service (JMS), and other Java EE technologies.
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Deployment and Maintenance:
- Apache HTTP Server is relatively easier to deploy and maintain as compared to JBoss. Since it is a lightweight server, it requires fewer resources and has a smaller footprint. It is commonly used in scenarios where simplicity and performance are paramount.
- JBoss, being an application server, requires more effort and resources for deployment and maintenance. It has a larger footprint and offers more complex configuration options. It is suitable for enterprise-level applications that require extensive features and scalability.
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Clustering and High Availability:
- Apache HTTP Server does not natively support clustering and high availability features. However, it can be combined with other technologies like load balancers to achieve similar functionality.
- JBoss provides built-in support for clustering and high availability. It allows multiple instances of the application server to work together, providing failover and load balancing capabilities.
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Community and Support:
- Apache HTTP Server has a large and active community of developers and users who contribute to its development and provide support. It has been around for a long time and has a vast amount of documentation and resources available.
- JBoss, being part of the Red Hat family, has its own dedicated community and support infrastructure. It is backed by a professional and commercial entity, providing enterprise-level support and additional features.
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Licensing:
- Apache HTTP Server is open-source software released under the Apache License 2.0. It allows users to modify and distribute the software freely.
- JBoss, being a Red Hat product, is released under various licenses depending on the edition. The community edition (WildFly) is open-source and free, while the Red Hat Enterprise Edition requires a commercial license.
In summary, Apache HTTP Server is a lightweight web server focused on serving static content efficiently, while JBoss is a full-fledged application server designed for enterprise-level Java applications. Apache HTTP Server is easier to deploy and maintain, while JBoss offers more extensive features and support for various Java EE technologies. JBoss also provides built-in clustering and high availability capabilities, while Apache HTTP Server requires additional technologies for similar functionality.
I am diving into web development, both front and back end. I feel comfortable with administration, scripting and moderate coding in bash, Python and C++, but I am also a Windows fan (i love inner conflict). What are the votes on web servers? IIS is expensive and restrictive (has Windows adoption of open source changed this?) Apache has the history but seems to be at the root of most of my Infosec issues, and I know nothing about nginx (is it too new to rely on?). And no, I don't know what I want to do on the web explicitly, but hosting and data storage (both cloud and tape) are possibilities. Ready, aim fire!
I would pick nginx over both IIS and Apace HTTP Server any day. Combine it with docker, and as you grow maybe even traefik, and you'll have a really flexible solution for serving http content where you can take sites and projects up and down without effort, easily move it between systems and dont have to handle any dependencies on your actual local machine.
From a StackShare Community member: "We are a LAMP shop currently focused on improving web performance for our customers. We have made many front-end optimizations and now we are considering replacing Apache with nginx. I was wondering if others saw a noticeable performance gain or any other benefits by switching."
I use nginx because it is very light weight. Where Apache tries to include everything in the web server, nginx opts to have external programs/facilities take care of that so the web server can focus on efficiently serving web pages. While this can seem inefficient, it limits the number of new bugs found in the web server, which is the element that faces the client most directly.
I use nginx because its more flexible and easy to configure
I use Apache HTTP Server because it's intuitive, comprehensive, well-documented, and just works
I was in a situation where I have to configure 40 RHEL servers 20 each for Apache HTTP Server and Tomcat server. My task was to 1. configure LVM with required logical volumes, format and mount for HTTP and Tomcat servers accordingly. 2. Install apache and tomcat. 3. Generate and apply selfsigned certs to http server. 4. Modify default ports on Tomcat to different ports. 5. Create users on RHEL for application support team. 6. other administrative tasks like, start, stop and restart HTTP and Tomcat services.
I have utilized the power of ansible for all these tasks, which made it easy and manageable.
