Apache HTTP Server vs Jetty: What are the differences?

Introduction:

In the world of web development, choosing a suitable web server is crucial for the performance and reliability of a website. Two commonly used web servers are Apache HTTP Server and Jetty. While both servers serve the purpose of hosting websites, there are several key differences between them. Let's explore six specific differences between Apache HTTP Server and Jetty.

1. Architecture and Design: Apache HTTP Server follows a traditional, process-based architecture where each client request is processed by a new process or thread. On the other hand, Jetty follows a lightweight, event-driven architecture where multiple client requests can be handled concurrently by a single thread using non-blocking I/O. This design choice makes Jetty more efficient in high-concurrency scenarios.

2. Memory Footprint: Apache HTTP Server, being more mature and feature-rich, generally requires more system resources compared to Jetty. Due to its lightweight and modular design, Jetty has a smaller memory footprint, making it a suitable choice for resource-constrained environments or applications requiring higher scalability.

3. Configuration and Extensibility: Apache HTTP Server provides a modular architecture with extensive configuration options through its powerful configuration file, .htaccess. It supports numerous modules for authentication, caching, URL rewriting, and more. Jetty, on the other hand, offers a more streamlined configuration and extensibility through its embedded API. It allows developers to customize the server with specific components based on their needs.

4. Embedded Usage: Jetty is often used as an embedded server within Java applications, providing developers with the capability to launch and manage a web server programmatically. Apache HTTP Server is primarily designed as a standalone server, making it more suitable for traditional web hosting environments.

5. Community and Ecosystem: Apache HTTP Server has a large and vibrant community due to its long-standing presence and wide adoption. It has an extensive ecosystem of plugins, tools, and resources available for developers. Jetty, although having a smaller community, is known for its active and responsive community that focuses on delivering high-quality support and documentation.

6. Performance and Scalability: Apache HTTP Server is renowned for its stability and capable of handling heavy workloads efficiently. However, Jetty's lightweight architecture and non-blocking I/O make it highly performant and scalable, particularly in scenarios where handling a large number of concurrent connections is critical.

In summary, Apache HTTP Server offers a mature and feature-rich solution with a larger community and extensive plugin ecosystem. On the other hand, Jetty provides a lightweight, scalable, and efficient server suitable for embedded usage and high-concurrency scenarios. The choice between Apache HTTP Server and Jetty ultimately depends on the specific requirements and constraints of the web application being developed.