Glassfish vs. Tomcat: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Glassfish is a full Java EE application server, while Tomcat is a web server and servlet container that can run Java servlets and JSPs.
Key Differences
Glassfish, developed by Oracle, is a fully-fledged application server supporting Java EE specifications, including EJB, JMS, and many more. Tomcat, developed by the Apache Software Foundation, primarily functions as a web server and servlet container, focusing on Java servlets and JavaServer Pages (JSP).
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 21, 2023
Glassfish is suitable for large-scale enterprise applications requiring full Java EE support. In contrast, Tomcat is often chosen for smaller-scale web applications that don't require the full Java EE stack, offering a lightweight solution.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 21, 2023
The performance of Glassfish is optimized for full Java EE applications, potentially requiring more resources. Tomcat, being more lightweight, offers faster performance for web applications that only require servlets or JSPs.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 21, 2023
In terms of community and support, Glassfish has the backing of Oracle and a robust community, offering comprehensive documentation and support. Tomcat, widely used in the industry, benefits from strong community support and a wealth of online resources.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 21, 2023
Glassfish provides a more comprehensive set of features out of the box, including a complete administration console for easier management. Tomcat, while simpler, might require additional components for complex tasks but is easier to set up and manage for basic web applications.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 21, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Performance
Optimized for complex applications; resource-intensive
Lightweight; faster for simpler applications
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 21, 2023
Features and Management
Comprehensive features; includes administration console
Basic features; simpler to manage for basic needs
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 21, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Glassfish and Tomcat Definitions
Glassfish
Glassfish is known for its modular architecture and enterprise features.
The modular architecture of Glassfish simplifies our application deployment.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Tomcat
Tomcat is a widely used servlet container and web server for Java applications.
We deployed our web application on Tomcat for its efficient handling of servlets.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Glassfish
It includes a powerful administration console for easy management.
Configuring our server settings through the Glassfish admin console saves time.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Tomcat
It's known for its lightweight nature and ease of use.
Tomcat's lightweight framework made it an ideal choice for our small web project.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Glassfish
Glassfish is designed for developers needing comprehensive Java EE support.
Developers prefer Glassfish for applications requiring robust Java EE integration.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Tomcat
It's a popular choice for developing and deploying web applications.
Many developers favor Tomcat for quick and easy web application deployment.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Glassfish
Glassfish is an open-source, full Java EE application server.
Our enterprise application is deployed on Glassfish to utilize its full Java EE capabilities.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Tomcat
Tomcat primarily supports Java servlets and JSPs.
Our JavaServer Pages run smoothly on Tomcat's optimized environment.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Glassfish
It supports a wide range of Java EE technologies and specifications.
Glassfish enables us to use EJB and JMS seamlessly in our application.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Tomcat
Tomcat is part of the Apache Software Foundation’s projects.
Being an Apache project, Tomcat has a strong community backing.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Glassfish
Any of various small, semitransparent fishes of the family Ambassidae, found in marine and freshwater habitats of Africa, Asia, and Oceania and often kept in home aquariums.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023
Glassfish
Any of several not closely related small fish that have almost transparent bodies, especially those of the genera Ambassis or Chanda
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can Glassfish run servlets and JSPs?
Yes, it can run servlets, JSPs, and more.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 21, 2023
Is Tomcat suitable for large enterprise applications?
It's more suited for smaller applications; Glassfish is better for larger ones.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 21, 2023
Does Glassfish require more resources than Tomcat?
Generally, yes, due to its comprehensive Java EE support.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 21, 2023
Can Tomcat be used for full Java EE applications?
No, it's limited to servlets and JSPs.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 21, 2023
What kind of applications is Glassfish ideal for?
Large-scale, enterprise-level applications needing full Java EE support.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 21, 2023
What is Glassfish?
An open-source application server supporting full Java EE.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 21, 2023
Does Glassfish offer an administration console?
Yes, it includes a comprehensive admin console.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 21, 2023
What is Tomcat?
A web server and servlet container mainly for Java servlets and JSPs.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 21, 2023
Who developed Glassfish?
Originally developed by Sun Microsystems, now maintained by Oracle.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 21, 2023
What's the primary use of Tomcat?
Hosting and managing Java web applications.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 21, 2023
Does Glassfish support microservices?
Yes, with its modular architecture, it supports microservices.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 21, 2023
Can Glassfish run on various operating systems?
Yes, it's compatible with multiple OS platforms.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 21, 2023
Can I use EJBs with Tomcat?
No, EJBs require a full Java EE server like Glassfish.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 21, 2023
Can Tomcat handle large traffic web applications?
It can, but Glassfish might be better for very large-scale apps.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 21, 2023
Is Tomcat good for beginner developers?
Yes, due to its simplicity and ease of use.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 21, 2023
Is Tomcat's performance faster for basic web applications?
Yes, its lightweight nature makes it faster for simpler tasks.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 21, 2023
Are there any licensing costs for Glassfish?
No, it's free and open-source.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 21, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Dua Fatima
Hifza Nasir
