Apache Tomcat: What it is and what it's for

Apache Tomcat is one of the most popular and reliable Java application servers. This tool runs web applications, manages user requests and returns data with minimal latency. Thanks to its flexibility and performance, Tomcat has been recognized among both novice and professional developers. Let's take a closer look at its features, uses, and real-world use cases.

Key features of Apache Tomcat

Apache Tomcat is designed for deploying and executing Java applications. For example, it is used to create:

• Corporate systems: CRM, ERP, HRM-platform.

• Online stores and portals: sites with dynamic data, personalized pages and complex interaction logic.

• Financial platforms: online banking systems, transaction processing.

• Educational resources: distance learning platforms, integration with test systems.

In other words, Tomcat acts as a link between the user and the application, ensuring data transfer and correct execution of requests.

Apache Tomcat use cases

Here we have collected some common Tomcat use cases.

1. online stores
Situation: Electronics store with personalized recommendations feature.
Solution:

• Tomcat handles user queries: product search, filtering, ordering.

• Integration with external systems (warehousing, shipping) is used.

• The dynamic display of goods is realized, taking into account the history of purchases.

2. Distance learning systems (LMS)
Situation: An educational platform offering courses and tests.
Solution:

• Tomcat provides user authentication and access control to courses.

• JSP is used to create tests, video players and other interactive elements.

• WebSocket enables real-time chat and video conferencing.

3. Human Resources Management (HRM) system
Situation: Corporate portal for HR management in a large company.
Solution:

• Tomcat handles leave requests, performance reports and employee inquiries.

• Integration with databases for storing personal files of employees is provided.

• Analytics modules for productivity assessment are connected.

4. Online banking services
Situation: Internet banking application.
Solution:

• Tomcat manages transactions such as fund transfers, bill payments, transaction monitoring.

• Data protection with SSL/TLS and encryption is implemented.

• Connection pools are used for high performance when accessing databases.

5. Sites with high load
Situation: News portal with millions of users.
Solution:

• Tomcat handles many requests simultaneously.

• Clustering is used to distribute the load.

• Caching is enabled to improve response speed.

Install Apache Tomcat

1. Download the latest version of Tomcat.

2. Unzip the file.

It is important that the JAVA_HOME environment variable points to the folder with the JDK installed.

3. Start the server:

• For Windows: execute startup.bat from the bin folder.

• For Linux/Mac: execute startup.sh.

Configuration and management

The configuration files are located in the conf folder:

• server.xml - basic server settings.

• web.xml - settings for all applications.

• tomcat-users.xml - user and role management.

Use WAR files to deploy applications. Place the archive in the webapps folder and Tomcat will automatically process it on startup.

Apache Tomcat Architecture

Tomcat consists of several key components:

• Catalina - the core module that manages servlets.

• Coyote is the HTTP request handler that provides client-server communication.

• Jasper is a JSP engine that converts JSP pages into servlets.

These components work synchronously to ensure stable and high-performance application performance.

Performance Optimization

• Manage JVM memory by adding the -Xms and -Xmx parameters

• Enable Gzip compression to reduce the amount of data transferred.

Practical tips

1. Analyze logs. The logs located in the logs folder help you find and fix errors.

2. Backup. Save copies of your configurations before making changes.

3. Containerization. Use Docker to isolate applications and simplify management.

Apache Tomcat is a powerful and versatile tool. Its flexibility, reliability, and support for multiple Java standards make it ideal for both small and enterprise scale applications. Real-world case studies prove that Tomcat enables you to build productive, secure, and high-performance applications that meet a wide range of business needs.