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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between JBoss and Tomcat?

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The main differences between JBoss and Tomcat are:

  1. Functionality: JBoss is a certified Java EE compliant application server that provides support for various Java EE specifications, such as JAX-RS web services, CDI, Java Message Service, JavaMail, and Java Naming and Directory Interface. In contrast, Tomcat is a simpler Servlet container and HTTP server that primarily focuses on implementing the Servlet and JSP specifications.
  2. Licensing: JBoss uses the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL), also known as a copyleft license, which requires teams that use JBoss to distribute derivatives of LGPL software with the same license. Tomcat is part of the Apache license, which allows users to distribute or modify the software without restriction.
  3. Tooling and Management: JBoss offers a modern management console, feature-rich command-line tools, and various utilities that integrate with DevOps tools. Tomcat provides a basic administrative console to manage applications, but its available tooling is minimal in comparison to JBoss.
  4. Target Use Cases: Tomcat is suitable for applications that require only JSP and Java servlet support. JBoss is more appropriate for applications that need a full Java EE stack, have a large user community, require flexibility, and run in both domain and standalone modes.

In summary, JBoss is a full-blown Java EE application server with a wide range of features and tools, while Tomcat is a simpler Servlet container and HTTP server. The choice between the two depends on the specific requirements of the application being developed.

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  • What is the Difference Between JBoss and Tomcat?
  • Comparative Table: JBoss vs Tomcat

    • Comparative Table: JBoss vs Tomcat

    JBoss and Tomcat are both widely used Java application servers, but they have different features and use cases. Here is a table comparing the key differences between JBoss and Tomcat:

    Feature JBoss Tomcat
    Description A Java EE compliant application server, providing support for Java EE specifications, web services, and more A Java Servlet Container, primarily focused on implementing the Java Servlet and JavaServer Pages (JSP) specifications
    Functionality Offers a comprehensive Java EE stack, including support for EJBs, JAX-RS, CDI, Java Message Service, JavaMail, and Java Naming and Directory Interface Focuses on providing an implementation of the Servlet and JSP API, with minimal tooling in comparison to JBoss
    Licensing Uses the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL), which requires distributing derivatives of LGPL software with the same license Part of the Apache license, allowing users to distribute or modify the software without restriction
    Administration Offers a modern management console, feature-full command-line tools, and integration with DevOps tools Provides a basic administrative console to manage applications, but with limited tooling compared to JBoss
    Use Cases Suitable for applications that require the full Java EE stack, EJBs, or advanced features like process management and messaging Ideal for simple web applications that only require Servlet and JSP support, consuming less memory and being more lightweight

    Choosing between JBoss and Tomcat depends on factors like the application's requirements, architecture, and licensing preferences. JBoss is more suitable for applications that need the full Java EE stack, while Tomcat is better for simple web applications that only require Servlet and JSP support.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.