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Apache Tomcat

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+ 1
201
Undertow

49
92
+ 1
5
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Apache Tomcat vs Undertow: What are the differences?

Apache Tomcat and Undertow are both popular web servers and servlet containers used for hosting Java web applications. Let's explore the key differences between them.

  1. Architecture: Apache Tomcat is a monolithic application server that includes a built-in web server, whereas Undertow is a lightweight web server commonly used as a servlet container. Tomcat provides a complete Java EE application server environment, while Undertow focuses on delivering high-performance HTTP and WebSocket services.

  2. Embedded Capabilities: Undertow has stronger support for embedding within other Java applications. It provides a flexible API for programmatic configuration and direct integration, making it an ideal choice for microservices architectures and embedding within non-traditional server deployments. Tomcat, on the other hand, is primarily designed for standalone use and may require more effort to embed within other applications.

  3. Performance: Undertow is known for its high performance and low resource usage. It is built with an asynchronous, non-blocking architecture that enables it to handle a large number of concurrent connections efficiently, making it suitable for high-performance applications. Tomcat, while also capable of handling a significant number of connections, may have a slightly lower performance when compared to Undertow.

  4. Ease of Configuration: Tomcat provides a rich set of configuration options through XML-based configuration files, allowing fine-grained control over various server aspects. Undertow, on the other hand, offers a simpler and more lightweight configuration approach through Java code or properties files. This can be advantageous for developers who prefer programmatic configuration or desire a streamlined configuration process.

  5. Ecosystem Support: Apache Tomcat has been around for a longer time and has a larger community, making it more mature and widely adopted. It has an extensive ecosystem with numerous plugins, libraries, and documentation available. Undertow, although gaining popularity, may have a smaller ecosystem and fewer resources for support and guidance.

  6. Servlet Specification Compliance: Both Apache Tomcat and Undertow are compliant with the Java Servlet specification. However, Tomcat has a more extensive history and is typically quicker to implement new versions of the specification. This means that Tomcat may provide better compatibility with applications that rely on the latest servlet features or may have more specific servlet-related requirements.

In summary, Apache Tomcat is a feature-rich, widely adopted application server that provides a complete Java EE environment, while Undertow is a lightweight and high-performance web server suitable for embedding and microservices architectures. Undertow offers better performance, ease of configuration through code, and is well-suited for high-concurrency scenarios. However, Tomcat has a larger ecosystem, better community support, and may be more suitable for applications with complex Java EE requirements or specific servlet-related needs.

Decisions about Apache Tomcat and Undertow

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.

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Pros of Apache Tomcat
Pros of Undertow
  • 79
    Easy
  • 72
    Java
  • 49
    Popular
  • 1
    Spring web
  • 4
    Performance
  • 1
    Lower footprint

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Cons of Apache Tomcat
Cons of Undertow
  • 2
    Blocking - each http request block a thread
  • 1
    Easy to set up
  • 1
    Smaller community
  • 1
    Less known

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What is Apache Tomcat?

Apache Tomcat powers numerous large-scale, mission-critical web applications across a diverse range of industries and organizations.

What is Undertow?

It is a flexible performant web server written in java, providing both blocking and non-blocking API’s based on NIO. It has a composition based architecture that allows you to build a web server by combining small single purpose handlers. The gives you the flexibility to choose between a full Java EE servlet 4.0 container, or a low level non-blocking handler, to anything in between.

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What are some alternatives to Apache Tomcat and Undertow?
JBoss
An application platform for hosting your apps that provides an innovative modular, cloud-ready architecture, powerful management and automation, and world class developer productivity.
Microsoft IIS
Internet Information Services (IIS) for Windows Server is a flexible, secure and manageable Web server for hosting anything on the Web. From media streaming to web applications, IIS's scalable and open architecture is ready to handle the most demanding tasks.
NGINX
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Jetty
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Flask
Flask is intended for getting started very quickly and was developed with best intentions in mind.
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