Apache HTTP Server vs Payara: What are the differences?
Introduction:
Apache HTTP Server and Payara are both popular web server solutions used in web development. However, there are key differences between the two that developers should be aware of when choosing the right solution for their projects.
1. Platform Compatibility: Apache HTTP Server is compatible with various operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and Unix, while Payara is specifically designed to work best with Java applications and is compatible with Java EE and Jakarta EE specifications. This makes Payara a more specialized and tailored solution for Java-based projects.
2. Features and Functionality: Apache HTTP Server primarily focuses on serving static content and HTML files, while Payara offers more advanced features like clustering, load balancing, and support for JavaServer Pages (JSP) and Enterprise JavaBeans (EJBs). Payara's extensive feature set makes it a robust choice for complex enterprise applications.
3. Support and Community: Apache HTTP Server has a large and active open-source community, providing a wealth of resources and support forums for users. On the other hand, Payara offers commercial support and services for enterprise users, ensuring professional assistance and maintenance for critical applications. This difference in support options can be a deciding factor for organizations with specific needs.
4. Deployment and Configuration: Apache HTTP Server is known for its ease of deployment and simple configuration setup, making it a popular choice for beginners and small projects. In contrast, Payara requires a more involved setup process due to its Java EE specifications and advanced features, which may require a higher level of expertise and experience to configure properly.
5. Performance and Scalability: Apache HTTP Server is highly regarded for its performance and scalability, making it a reliable choice for high-traffic websites and applications. Payara, while also capable of supporting large-scale deployments, may require additional configuration and optimization to achieve similar levels of performance as Apache in certain scenarios.
6. Integration with Java EE: Payara is specifically designed to work seamlessly with Java EE specifications and applications, providing native support for technologies like servlets, JavaServer Faces (JSF), and Java Message Service (JMS). This deep integration with Java EE makes Payara a compelling choice for developers working with Java-based enterprise applications.
In Summary, Apache HTTP Server and Payara offer distinct features and functionalities tailored to different types of web development projects, with Apache being versatile and widely compatible, while Payara focuses on Java EE specifications and advanced enterprise features.