What's the difference between Glassfish and Apache Tomcat? Are they widely used?

GlassFish and Apache Tomcat are both popular server software used for deploying Java-based web applications, but they serve different purposes and have some key differences.

Apache Tomcat:

1. Servlet Container:

   • Apache Tomcat is primarily a servlet container, which means it is designed to execute Java Servlets and JavaServer Pages (JSP).
   • It is lightweight and focused on providing the essential features needed for running Java web applications.

2. Configuration:

   • Tomcat is known for its simplicity and ease of configuration. It is often used when a lightweight server is sufficient for hosting Java web applications.

3. Adoption:

   • Apache Tomcat is widely adopted and used in many production environments, especially for smaller to medium-sized web applications.
   • It is known for its simplicity, ease of use, and a large community that supports it.

GlassFish:

1. Java EE Application Server:

   • GlassFish, on the other hand, is a full Java EE (Enterprise Edition) application server. It provides a more comprehensive set of features beyond what Tomcat offers, including support for Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB), Java Message Service (JMS), and more.

2. Configuration:

   • GlassFish is more feature-rich and can be considered a more heavyweight solution compared to Apache Tomcat.
   • It is suitable for larger and more complex enterprise applications that require a full Java EE stack.

3. Adoption:

   • GlassFish has seen adoption in enterprise environments, especially for applications that require the full set of Java EE features.
   • However, its adoption has been somewhat eclipsed by other Java EE application servers, and some users prefer alternatives like Apache Tomcat or other application servers.

Overall:

• Widely Used:

  • Both Apache Tomcat and GlassFish have been widely used in the industry, but Tomcat tends to be more popular for simpler applications, while GlassFish is used in larger enterprise settings.

• Community and Support:

  • Apache Tomcat has a large and active community, providing a wealth of resources and support.
  • GlassFish, while having a community, may not be as widespread, and some users may choose other Java EE application servers based on specific needs.

• Use Case:

  • Choose Apache Tomcat if you need a lightweight servlet container for simpler web applications.
  • Choose GlassFish or other Java EE application servers if you require the full set of Java EE features for more complex enterprise applications.

Ultimately, the choice between GlassFish and Apache Tomcat depends on the specific requirements of your project and the features you need for your Java web application.