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Apache Tomcat vs NGINX Unit: What are the differences?
Apache Tomcat and NGINX Unit are both popular server technologies used to deploy and manage web applications. However, they have key differences that make them suitable for different use cases.
Routing and Load Balancing: Apache Tomcat is primarily a servlet container and web server, while NGINX Unit is a versatile application server capable of handling different types of requests beyond HTTP. NGINX Unit includes advanced routing and load balancing features, making it more suitable for complex multi-service environments where traffic distribution and routing are crucial.
Scalability and Resource Usage: NGINX Unit is designed to be lightweight and resource-efficient, making it ideal for applications that require high scalability and performance. On the other hand, Apache Tomcat may consume more resources due to its Java-based architecture, which could impact scalability in resource-constrained environments.
Configuration and Deployment: Apache Tomcat typically requires additional configuration for complex setups or clustering scenarios, while NGINX Unit offers a more straightforward and flexible configuration approach. NGINX Unit's dynamic configuration capabilities allow for seamless updates and deployment of new application versions without downtime.
Supported Protocols and Extensions: NGINX Unit supports a wide range of protocols beyond HTTP, such as FastCGI, uWSGI, and SCGI, making it more versatile for handling diverse application requirements. Apache Tomcat, while capable of supporting various extensions, is more focused on servlet-based applications within the Java ecosystem.
In Summary, Apache Tomcat is well-suited for traditional Java web applications, while NGINX Unit offers greater flexibility, scalability, and efficiency for modern microservices and containerized environments.
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.
Pros of NGINX Unit
- PHP3
- Python2
- Golang2
- Multilang2
- Node.js1
- Ruby1
Pros of Apache Tomcat
- Easy79
- Java72
- Popular49
- Spring web1
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Cons of NGINX Unit
Cons of Apache Tomcat
- Blocking - each http request block a thread2
- Easy to set up1
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