Apache Maven vs Apache Tomcat

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Apache Maven

2.8K
1.7K
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414
Apache Tomcat

16.5K
12.4K
+ 1
201
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Apache Maven vs Apache Tomcat: What are the differences?

  1. Installation and Purpose: Apache Maven is a build management tool that is used to build and manage projects, while Apache Tomcat is a web container that is used to run and deploy Java web applications.
  2. Function: Maven focuses on project dependency management, build automation, and standardization of project structure and processes. Tomcat, on the other hand, is specialized for running Java Servlets and JavaServer Pages (JSP) web applications.
  3. Build Process: Maven uses a declarative XML-based configuration file called the "pom.xml" to define project settings, dependencies, and build goals, which allows for easy automation and repeatability. Tomcat, on the other hand, does not have a built-in build process and relies on the deployment of pre-compiled Java web applications.
  4. Project Structure: Maven enforces a specific project structure called the "Standard Directory Layout" to ensure consistency and ease of navigation. Tomcat does not impose any specific project structure requirements, allowing developers more flexibility.
  5. Dependency Management: Maven has a powerful dependency management system that automatically downloads, manages, and resolves project dependencies, including both external libraries and other Maven-based projects. Tomcat can handle dependencies but does not offer the same level of automation and flexibility as Maven.
  6. Deployment: Maven can deploy project artifacts to various repositories, including local repositories, remote repositories, and even to the Maven Central Repository for public distribution. Tomcat, on the other hand, deploys web applications directly to the Tomcat server, either by copying the web application directory or by using the Tomcat Manager web interface.

In summary, Apache Maven is a build management tool focused on project structure, automation, and dependency management, while Apache Tomcat is a web container specialized for running Java web applications. Maven provides a standardized build process with dependency resolution, while Tomcat offers a lightweight environment for deploying and running web applications.

Decisions about Apache Maven and Apache Tomcat

I was in a situation where I have to configure 40 RHEL servers 20 each for Apache HTTP Server and Tomcat server. My task was to 1. configure LVM with required logical volumes, format and mount for HTTP and Tomcat servers accordingly. 2. Install apache and tomcat. 3. Generate and apply selfsigned certs to http server. 4. Modify default ports on Tomcat to different ports. 5. Create users on RHEL for application support team. 6. other administrative tasks like, start, stop and restart HTTP and Tomcat services.

I have utilized the power of ansible for all these tasks, which made it easy and manageable.

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Pros of Apache Maven
Pros of Apache Tomcat
  • 138
    Dependency management
  • 70
    Necessary evil
  • 60
    I’d rather code my app, not my build
  • 48
    Publishing packaged artifacts
  • 43
    Convention over configuration
  • 18
    Modularisation
  • 11
    Consistency across builds
  • 6
    Prevents overengineering using scripting
  • 4
    Runs Tests
  • 4
    Lot of cool plugins
  • 3
    Extensible
  • 2
    Hard to customize
  • 2
    Runs on Linux
  • 1
    Runs on OS X
  • 1
    Slow incremental build
  • 1
    Inconsistent buillds
  • 1
    Undeterminisc
  • 1
    Good IDE tooling
  • 79
    Easy
  • 72
    Java
  • 49
    Popular
  • 1
    Spring web

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Cons of Apache Maven
Cons of Apache Tomcat
  • 6
    Complex
  • 1
    Inconsistent buillds
  • 0
    Not many plugin-alternatives
  • 3
    Blocking - each http request block a thread
  • 2
    Easy to set up

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What is Apache Maven?

Maven allows a project to build using its project object model (POM) and a set of plugins that are shared by all projects using Maven, providing a uniform build system. Once you familiarize yourself with how one Maven project builds you automatically know how all Maven projects build saving you immense amounts of time when trying to navigate many projects.

What is Apache Tomcat?

Apache Tomcat powers numerous large-scale, mission-critical web applications across a diverse range of industries and organizations.

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What companies use Apache Maven?
What companies use Apache Tomcat?
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What tools integrate with Apache Maven?
What tools integrate with Apache Tomcat?

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What are some alternatives to Apache Maven and Apache Tomcat?
Jira
Jira's secret sauce is the way it simplifies the complexities of software development into manageable units of work. Jira comes out-of-the-box with everything agile teams need to ship value to customers faster.
Jenkins
In a nutshell Jenkins CI is the leading open-source continuous integration server. Built with Java, it provides over 300 plugins to support building and testing virtually any project.
Gradle
Gradle is a build tool with a focus on build automation and support for multi-language development. If you are building, testing, publishing, and deploying software on any platform, Gradle offers a flexible model that can support the entire development lifecycle from compiling and packaging code to publishing web sites.
Apache Ant
Ant is a Java-based build tool. In theory, it is kind of like Make, without Make's wrinkles and with the full portability of pure Java code.
Eclipse
Standard Eclipse package suited for Java and plug-in development plus adding new plugins; already includes Git, Marketplace Client, source code and developer documentation. Click here to file a bug against Eclipse Platform.
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