What is Tomcat Server? + (Advantages and Disadvantages)

Regarding hosting a website, Apache Tomcat holds a prominent place. It became the very first reference frame to implement Java Server Pages as well as Java Servlet API.

If you are looking forward to learning what tomcat server is all about, you may continue to read. We will share all the essential information you should be aware of.

What is Tomcat server?

What is Tomcat all about? You can call it an open-source Java Servlet container. The main reason you should be using the Tomcat server is to deploy different Java Enterprise Specs.

For example, you will be able to use Tomcat to deploy Java Server pages, Website APIs, as well as Java Servlet. It was initially developed back in the year 1998. Since Tomcat is an open-source container, many developers have contributed to it.

Now you have a basic idea of what Apache Tomcat is all about. You should be aware of the HTTP protocol to get a better idea of what Tomcat is all about.

This protocol is used to gain access to a website located within a server. When you need to display static content within the website using HTML language, you will need to use the HTTP Protocol.

When the data is being sent out from the server, it would manage all sorts of functionalities. When run within the HTTP protocol, the outcome will usually be produced within a safer environment.

You can run a static website within an HTTP server. But it will not be possible for you to use an HTTP server to display dynamic content.

This is where you should be using a Servlet. Tomcat can help you with it. In other words, the Apache Tomcat server is offering a combination of HTTP as well as a Servlet to you. Therefore, you will be able to hold the characteristics of a Servlet container and HTTP server without any issues.

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What is Tomcat used for?

By reading the above section, you know what is Tomcat all about. The next thing you should learn is what is Apache Tomcat used for. When you want to develop a web application using the Java Ecosystem, you will need to use Tomcat.

Java is offering support to numerous application servers out there. Hence, Tomcat is one of many application servers compatible with Java. However, a lot of people still prefer to use Tomcat as it can deliver a range of benefits to them.

You can think about using Tomcat for a Java enterprise application server. Then you can use it to implement Java specifications. This web server is capable of offering remote access to a physical computer with the objective of serving files.

Here, Apache will function as the local system and render data. Moreover, it will be able to present data to a web application via the internet. It will be possible for anyone to access data available within the web server, regardless of the physical location.

When you deep dive and take a look at the Java Server Pages and Servlet, you will be able to notice the functionality of Tomcat. In other words, it is providing support to all dynamic web pages.

A server-side programming language can help a developer create dynamic content. On the other hand, Servlet would be providing the platform to run software components based on Java.

The application would then assist a developer in going ahead and extending the core features, further enhancing the web server’s overall capabilities.

You can go ahead and host many different types of web applications within your web servers. The application would be capable of running different requests at a given time, without ending up with a crash.

Apache is capable of handling this routing mechanism quite effectively. As a developer, you need to make sure that you write the Servlet or Java server pages. The Tomcat server will take care of the rest.

As of now, you know the basic functionality of what is Apache Tomcat server all about. What does Apache Tomcat do additionally? It will also be able to help you experience the features that come along with Coyote Engine.

The Coyote Engine can be used to run different enterprise-level Java applications. They include the Java Persistence API as well.

On the other hand, Tomcat is continuously being upgraded, providing developers with new features over time. For example, the Tomcat Extended version, called TomEE, offers many advanced enterprise-level features.

What does Tomcat do?

During the previous section, you got a better idea of what is Apache Tomcat server used for. What does Apache Tomcat do? The Tomcat server offers the required methods and resources for deploying web applications built with Java.

If you are going through the process of deploying a Java web application, consider using the Apache Tomcat server. This process is relatively straightforward.

You must locate the directory containing your web application or the war file. Some applications can assist you with uploading the war file, so you can quickly deploy it within the web server.

Apache Tomcat server can be re-used within many different environments. For example, you can use it and asynchronously develop components. On the other hand, you can also re-factor a connector to enhance efficiency without causing changes to the servlet code.

Advantages of Tomcat Server

With your understanding of what is Tomcat software, let’s explore what benefits Tomcat server can offer. These are some excellent reasons why you should start using it.

Tomcat is open source

One of the best things about the Tomcat server is that you don’t have to spend any money on it. That’s because the Tomcat server is entirely open-source.

This server is released along with a general public license. Hence, anyone has the freedom to use the core files and proceed with developing either commercial or personal applications. Anyone can freely download and start using Tomcat as well.

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Tomcat is versatile

Once you start using Tomcat, you will discover its many customization features. Hence, consider it to be versatile. You can also consider it a flexible web server.

You can take the most out of the features available on Tomcat to fulfil your requirements. In other words, you may tweak Tomcat and get the desired results without a challenge.

Tomcat is light in weight

Many developers out there appreciate the lightweight design of the Tomcat server. When developing enterprise-level applications, the lightweight design would be handy.

It provides added flexibility with application development and deployment as well. As a developer, you will find it an easy task to deploy content to Tomcat quickly.

Tomcat is stable

The Apache Tomcat server has been subjected to a variety of upgrades. Hence, there is no need to worry too much about the stability of Tomcat. It offers you the chance to run applications smoothly. You will be able to run Tomcat without any struggles, and you will surely fall in love with its functionality.

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Tomcat provides added security

The level of extra security you can get out of Tomcat is impressive. This is another excellent reason to use Tomcat to deploy enterprise-level applications.

Disadvantages of Tomcat Server

Similar to the benefits, there can also be drawbacks to the Apache Tomcat server. Here are some of the most common disadvantages that you can find.

It is not the fastest

Apache Tomcat is not the fastest web server to run Java applications. If you are concerned about speed, this is not a great choice.

It causes memory leaks

When you take a look at the weak points of the Apache Tomcat server, you will figure out that memory leaks hold a prominent place. On the other hand, you will also encounter complications as you try to go ahead with SSL certificate installation.

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Conclusion

As you can see, Apache Tomcat is a web container helping you run Java server pages and Servlet. It is in a position to handle both dynamic as well as static pages.

The static pages are created with HTML, whereas the dynamic pages are created with JSP and Servlet. You may use Tomcat to host different Java-based applications without keeping a doubt in mind.