Introduction
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Apache Tomcat Server installation on the Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) platform. Apache Tomcat is one of the most widely used Java-based web application servers, and this guide will help you understand how to install and configure Tomcat on your system. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a beginner, this guide will walk you through the entire process, from downloading the software to configuring the server. So, let’s dive in!
Who is this guide for?
This guide is for developers, system administrators, and anyone looking to set up a Java-based web application server on their RHEL system. Whether you’re new to RHEL or an experienced user, this guide provides a step-by-step approach to installing and configuring Apache Tomcat Server.
What is Apache Tomcat Server?
Apache Tomcat is an open-source web application server that is used to serve Java-based web applications. It is developed by the Apache Software Foundation and provides a reliable, scalable, and secure platform for running web applications.
Why use Apache Tomcat Server?
Apache Tomcat is a popular choice for running web applications for several reasons:
- It is easy to install and configure.
- It supports multiple programming languages, including Java, JavaServer Pages (JSP), and Servlets.
- It is highly scalable and can handle large volumes of traffic.
- It is secure and provides a range of security features, including SSL/TLS encryption.
What is RHEL?
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is a Linux-based operating system that is designed for enterprise use. It is known for its stability, security, and reliability and is widely used in business and government organizations.
Prerequisites
Before we begin, ensure that you have the following:
- A system running RHEL 7 or RHEL 8.
- Access to a user account with sudo privileges.
- A stable internet connection to download the required software packages.
Step 1: Downloading Apache Tomcat Server
The first step in installing Apache Tomcat Server is to download the software from the official Apache website. Follow the steps below:
- Open your web browser and go to the official Apache Tomcat download page: https://tomcat.apache.org/download-10.cgi.
- Under the “Binary Distributions” section, select the “Core” option for the latest stable release of Tomcat.
- Choose the appropriate archive format for your system (ZIP or TAR.GZ) and download the file to your system.
- Once the download is complete, extract the contents of the archive to a directory of your choice.
Step 2: Installing Java Development Kit (JDK)
The next step in installing Apache Tomcat Server is to install the Java Development Kit (JDK). Follow the steps below:
- Open your terminal window and run the following command to install the OpenJDK package:
- Verify the installation by running the following command:
- You should see output similar to the following:
RHEL 7 |
RHEL 8 |
|---|---|
sudo yum install java-1.8.0-openjdk-devel |
sudo dnf install java-1.8.0-openjdk-devel |
java -version
openjdk version "1.8.0_292"
OpenJDK Runtime Environment (build 1.8.0_292-b10)
OpenJDK 64-Bit Server VM (build 25.292-b10, mixed mode)
Step 3: Configuring Apache Tomcat Server
Now that you have downloaded Apache Tomcat Server and installed the Java Development Kit, it’s time to configure the server. Follow the steps below:
- Navigate to the directory where you extracted the Tomcat archive.
- Locate the
conf/server.xmlfile. - Open the file in a text editor.
- Find the line that begins with
<Connector port="8080" ...and change the port number to a value between 1024 and 65535. - Save the file and close the text editor.
Step 4: Starting Apache Tomcat Server
Once you have configured Apache Tomcat Server, you can start the server by running the following command:
sudo sh bin/startup.sh
You should see output similar to the following:
Using CATALINA_BASE:/path/to/tomcat
Using CATALINA_HOME:/path/to/tomcat
Using CATALINA_TMPDIR: /path/to/tomcat/temp
Using JRE_HOME:/usr/lib/jvm/java-1.8.0-openjdk-1.8.0.302.b08-0.el7_9.x86_64
Using CLASSPATH:/path/to/tomcat/bin/bootstrap.jar:/path/to/tomcat/bin/tomcat-juli.jar
Tomcat started.
You can verify that Apache Tomcat Server is running by opening a web browser and navigating to the following URL:
http://localhost:8080/
You should see the Apache Tomcat Server default page.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Apache Tomcat Server
Advantages of Apache Tomcat Server
There are several advantages to using Apache Tomcat Server:
- It is open-source and free to use.
- It provides a reliable, scalable, and secure platform for running web applications.
- It supports multiple programming languages and frameworks, including Java, JSP, and Servlets.
- It has a large and active community of users and developers who contribute to its development.
- It integrates easily with other Java-based technologies, such as Spring and Hibernate.
Disadvantages of Apache Tomcat Server
There are also some disadvantages to using Apache Tomcat Server:
- It can be difficult to configure and manage for beginners.
- It may not be suitable for running very large or complex web applications.
- It may require more system resources than other web servers.
- It may not have as many features as other web servers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is Apache Tomcat Server?
A. Apache Tomcat Server is an open-source web application server that is used to serve Java-based web applications.
Q2. What is RHEL?
A. Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is a Linux-based operating system that is designed for enterprise use.
Q3. What are the prerequisites for installing Apache Tomcat Server on RHEL?
A. You need a system running RHEL 7 or RHEL 8, access to a user account with sudo privileges, and a stable internet connection.
Q4. How do I download Apache Tomcat Server?
A. You can download Apache Tomcat Server from the official Apache website.
Q5. How do I install the Java Development Kit (JDK)?
A. You can install the JDK using the package manager on RHEL.
Q6. How do I configure Apache Tomcat Server?
A. You can configure Apache Tomcat Server by editing the conf/server.xml file.
Q7. How do I start Apache Tomcat Server?
A. You can start Apache Tomcat Server by running the bin/startup.sh script.
Q8. Can I run Apache Tomcat Server on Windows?
A. Yes, Apache Tomcat Server can be installed and run on Windows.
Q9. Can I use Apache Tomcat Server with PHP?
A. No, Apache Tomcat Server is designed to serve Java-based web applications, not PHP.
Q10. What is the default port number for Apache Tomcat Server?
A. The default port number for Apache Tomcat Server is 8080.
Q11. How do I change the port number for Apache Tomcat Server?
A. You can change the port number by editing the conf/server.xml file.
Q12. What is the difference between Apache Tomcat Server and Apache HTTP Server?
A. Apache Tomcat Server is a Java-based web application server, while Apache HTTP Server is a general-purpose web server.
Q13. Can I use Apache Tomcat Server with SSL/TLS encryption?
A. Yes, Apache Tomcat Server supports SSL/TLS encryption.
Conclusion
Installing and configuring Apache Tomcat Server on RHEL is a straightforward process that can be done in just a few steps. This guide has provided a step-by-step approach to installing and configuring Tomcat and has also highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of using Tomcat. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can set up a reliable, scalable, and secure platform for running web applications on your RHEL system. So, what are you waiting for? Download Apache Tomcat Server and get started today!
Closing
We hope you found this guide on Apache Tomcat Server installation on RHEL helpful. Please note that while we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided in this guide, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Always consult the official documentation for the software you are installing for the most up-to-date and accurate information. Thank you for choosing our guide, and we wish you the best of luck in your web development journey.