Apache vs Tomcat vs Jetty vs Nginx vs JBoss: Key Differences Explained

Summary of Apache, Tomcat, Jetty, Nginx, JBoss differences

Apache is a web server that serves static pages, while Tomcat is a Java application server handling dynamic content such as Servlets and JSP.

Jetty uses the Tomcat core as its servlet container engine, tuned for larger systems, providing database connection pooling and supporting other web technologies like PHP and .NET.

JBoss is an open‑source J2EE application server that manages EJBs; it does not include a servlet/JSP container by itself and is typically paired with Tomcat or Jetty.

Nginx is a high‑performance HTTP server written in C, known for low memory usage and strong concurrency handling.

Typical pairings: Apache with Nginx, Tomcat with Jetty, and JBoss with either Tomcat or Jetty.

Detailed comparison

Apache + Tomcat

Apache handles static content and forwards dynamic requests to Tomcat, which processes JSP/Servlets. Apache can also serve PHP, Perl, etc., but Java requests require Tomcat.

Both are developed by the Apache Foundation, provide HTTP services, and are free, but Apache focuses on HTTP serving while Tomcat implements Java EE specifications for dynamic web applications.

Jetty

Jetty incorporates the most popular open‑source Java web engine, improving on Tomcat’s limitations in connection handling, static content, large files, and HTTPS. It offers better scalability and can integrate with databases, PHP, and .NET.

Nginx

Nginx offers high stability and low resource consumption; it can maintain 10,000 idle connections using only 2.5 MB of memory, making it resistant to DoS attacks and superior to servers like Apache under high load.

JBoss

JBoss provides an EJB container and runs within the same JVM as the web server, allowing servlet calls to EJBs without network overhead, improving efficiency and security.