Apache HTTP Server vs Wildfly: What are the differences?

Introduction

Apache HTTP Server and Wildfly are both widely used web servers, but they have some key differences that differentiate them from each other.

1. Scalability and Performance: Apache HTTP Server is known for its high scalability and performance. It can handle a large number of simultaneous connections efficiently and is capable of serving static HTML pages quickly. On the other hand, Wildfly focuses more on providing a robust Java application server. It is designed to handle heavy loads and complex applications, making it suitable for enterprise-level deployments.

2. Support for Java EE: Wildfly is a Java EE (Enterprise Edition) application server, which means it provides full support for Java EE specifications and APIs. It allows developers to build and deploy Java-based enterprise applications easily. Apache HTTP Server, on the other hand, is primarily a web server and does not offer native support for Java EE. While it can be used with Java-based applications, additional configuration and integration may be required.

3. Administration and Management: Wildfly offers a comprehensive and user-friendly administration console that allows administrators to manage and monitor the server and deployed applications. It provides features like centralized configuration management, real-time monitoring, and fine-grained security controls. Apache HTTP Server, on the other hand, does not have a built-in administration console. Configuration is usually done through text files, and server monitoring may require third-party tools or plugins.

4. Modularity and Extensibility: Wildfly is built on top of the modular JBoss Application Server architecture. It allows users to selectively enable or disable subsystems and services based on their requirements, resulting in a lighter and more efficient server configuration. Apache HTTP Server also supports modular architecture through its extensive module system. Users can add or remove modules to extend the functionality of the server. However, the modularity in Wildfly is more integrated and fine-grained, specifically tailored for Java applications.

5. Supported Protocols and Technologies: Apache HTTP Server supports a wide range of protocols, including HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, and more. It also offers support for CGI (Common Gateway Interface) and various scripting languages like Perl and PHP. Wildfly, being a Java EE application server, primarily focuses on Java-related technologies like Servlets, JavaServer Faces, and Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB). While it can still be used as a traditional web server, its core functionality revolves around Java EE.

6. Community and Ecosystem: Apache HTTP Server has a huge and vibrant community around it. It is highly popular and widely used, with extensive documentation, tutorials, and third-party plugins available. Wildfly, being a Java EE application server, also has a strong community and ecosystem centered around Java enterprise development. It benefits from the broader Java community and ecosystem, which provides frameworks, libraries, and tools specifically tailored for Java EE applications.

In Summary, Apache HTTP Server excels in scalability and performance, while Wildfly focuses more on providing a robust Java EE application server. They differ in terms of support for Java EE, administration and management features, modularity and extensibility, supported protocols and technologies, and the community and ecosystem around them.