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Apache Tomcat vs OpenResty: What are the differences?

Introduction:

Apache Tomcat and OpenResty are two widely used web server technologies with distinct features and capabilities. Understanding the key differences between these two can help in making an informed decision for selecting the appropriate server technology for a particular use case.

  1. Architecture: Apache Tomcat is a pure Java HTTP server and Java Servlet container, allowing it to execute Java servlets and JavaServer Pages. On the other hand, OpenResty is based on NGINX and provides a web server with extended features for building dynamic web applications using Lua scripting.

  2. Performance: Apache Tomcat is optimized for serving dynamic content with Java-based web applications. OpenResty, on the other hand, excels in handling high concurrency and I/O-bound operations through its event-driven and asynchronous architecture.

  3. Extensibility: Apache Tomcat is extensible through Java-based components, allowing developers to enhance its functionality using Java libraries and frameworks. OpenResty, on the other hand, offers extensive capabilities for extending its core functionality through Lua scripting, enabling developers to customize server behavior with ease.

  4. Caching: Apache Tomcat supports caching of static and dynamic content through configuration settings and caching plugins. In contrast, OpenResty provides built-in support for caching at various levels, including content caching, session caching, and request/response caching, enhancing performance and scalability.

  5. Community Support: Apache Tomcat has a large and active community of Java developers and server administrators, providing extensive documentation, tutorials, and support forums. OpenResty, although not as widespread as Apache Tomcat, has a dedicated community focused on NGINX and Lua scripting, offering specialized assistance for building and optimizing web applications.

  6. Security Features: Apache Tomcat offers robust security features for protection against common web vulnerabilities, such as cross-site scripting (XSS) and SQL injection. OpenResty, with its NGINX core, provides additional security capabilities, such as access control lists (ACLs), SSL/TLS support, and web application firewall (WAF) integration, ensuring secure server operation and data protection.

In Summary, understanding the key differences between Apache Tomcat and OpenResty in terms of architecture, performance, extensibility, caching, community support, and security features can guide the selection of the most suitable web server technology for specific use cases.

Decisions about OpenResty 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 OpenResty
Pros of Apache Tomcat
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    • 79
      Easy
    • 72
      Java
    • 49
      Popular
    • 1
      Spring web

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    Cons of OpenResty
    Cons of Apache Tomcat
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      • 3
        Blocking - each http request block a thread
      • 2
        Easy to set up

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      What is OpenResty?

      OpenResty (aka. ngx_openresty) is a full-fledged web application server by bundling the standard Nginx core, lots of 3rd-party Nginx modules, as well as most of their external dependencies.

      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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