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Apache Tomcat vs XAMPP: What are the differences?
Apache Tomcat and XAMPP are both popular web development tools used to create and deploy web applications. Let's explore the key differences between them.
Server Type: Apache Tomcat is a lightweight web server and servlet container, primarily used for Java-based web applications. It is designed to execute Java servlets and render Java Server Pages (JSP) pages. On the other hand, XAMPP is a web server solution stack that includes Apache HTTP Server, MySQL database, and PHP, allowing developers to work with PHP-based web applications.
Platform Support: Apache Tomcat is platform-independent and can run on various operating systems like Windows, Linux, and macOS. It is also available for different architectures, including 32-bit and 64-bit systems. XAMPP, on the other hand, is compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS, providing a uniform development environment across these platforms.
Ease of Installation: Apache Tomcat requires specific configurations and needs to be installed and set up manually. It involves downloading the desired version, configuring environment variables, and deploying applications. On the contrary, XAMPP provides a straightforward installation process. It is bundled as a self-contained package, making it easy to set up and start using quickly.
Additional Tools and Features: Apache Tomcat focuses on Java-based web development, providing essential servlet and JSP features. It lacks built-in support for databases and PHP, requiring additional setup for these functionalities. XAMPP, being a comprehensive stack, includes Apache HTTP Server, MySQL, and PHP out of the box. It provides an all-in-one solution for developers, facilitating quick and easy development of PHP-based web applications.
Security Configuration: Apache Tomcat provides more granular control over security configurations, allowing administrators to define specific user roles and access permissions. It supports various authentication mechanisms and enables SSL/TLS encryption. XAMPP, on the other hand, is not as flexible in terms of security configuration. It is primarily intended for local development and may require additional security measures when deploying applications to production environments.
Intended Use: Apache Tomcat is often used for enterprise-level, scalable web applications that require Java server-side technologies. It is commonly employed in scenarios where precise control over server configuration and customization is vital. XAMPP, on the other hand, caters more for small to medium-sized projects and rapid web development. It provides a user-friendly environment for PHP-based web application development, suitable for developers seeking simplicity and ease of use.
In summary, Apache Tomcat is specifically designed for hosting Java-based web applications, providing a lightweight and efficient servlet container, while XAMPP offers a bundled package with multiple components for creating a local web development environment, suitable for projects involving PHP and MySQL.
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 Apache Tomcat
- Easy79
- Java72
- Popular49
- Spring web1
Pros of XAMPP
- Easy set up and installation of files6
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Cons of Apache Tomcat
- Blocking - each http request block a thread2
- Easy to set up1
Cons of XAMPP
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