Payara vs Wildfly: What are the differences?

Comparison between Payara and WildFly

Payara and WildFly are both popular Java application servers that are used to deploy and manage Java Enterprise Edition (Java EE) applications. While they share some similarities, there are several key differences that set them apart.

1. Packaging and distribution: One significant difference between Payara and WildFly is their packaging and distribution model. Payara is a full-featured application server that includes additional enterprise features, such as clustering, high availability, and monitoring, out of the box. On the other hand, WildFly is a lightweight and modular server that allows you to choose and install only the required components, resulting in a smaller footprint.

2. Community support: Payara has a strong focus on community-driven development and support. It is built on GlassFish, an open-source Java EE reference implementation, and is backed by a dedicated community of developers who actively contribute to its development and provide support through forums and online communities. WildFly, on the other hand, is supported by Red Hat, a leading provider of open-source solutions, and benefits from their extensive experience and expertise in enterprise software.

3. Ecosystem and integration: Payara offers a rich ecosystem of tools and libraries that are specifically tailored for Java EE development. It provides seamless integration with popular development tools, such as NetBeans and IntelliJ IDEA, and supports various frameworks and technologies, including CDI, JPA, and JSF. WildFly, on the other hand, has a more modular architecture that promotes flexibility and allows for easy integration with third-party libraries and frameworks.

4. Administration and management: Another significant difference between Payara and WildFly is their administration and management capabilities. Payara provides a comprehensive and user-friendly administration console, which allows you to easily manage and configure various aspects of the server, such as datasources, security, and logging. WildFly, on the other hand, offers a more flexible and extensible management model, which allows you to manage the server through a web-based console, a command-line interface, or by directly editing XML configuration files.

5. Java compatibility: Payara and WildFly both support the latest Java EE specifications and are compatible with Java 8 and higher. However, WildFly has a more modular architecture, which allows you to easily upgrade and replace individual components, such as the servlet container or the messaging system, without affecting the rest of the server. This can be particularly useful in scenarios where you want to leverage specific features or bug fixes that are only available in newer versions of certain components.

6. Commercial support: While both Payara and WildFly are open-source projects, Payara also offers a commercial version that includes additional features, such as 24/7 support, indemnification, and patches for critical issues. This can be beneficial for organizations that require additional assurance and support for their production deployments.

In summary, Payara and WildFly are both powerful Java application servers that excel in different areas. Payara is a full-featured server with extensive community support and a rich ecosystem, while WildFly offers a lightweight and modular architecture that promotes flexibility and easy integration. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the specific requirements and priorities of your application.