What should you consider when selecting a Java application server?

1 Project requirements

When starting a project, it is essential to analyze the requirements and identify the essential functionalities and non-functionalities that your application needs. This includes taking into account the type and complexity of the application, such as simple web pages, dynamic web applications, enterprise applications, or microservices. Additionally, you should consider the expected workload and traffic, performance and scalability requirements, security and reliability requirements, and compatibility and interoperability requirements. Once these factors have been taken into account, you can narrow down your options and select a Java application server that meets or exceeds all of these requirements.

2 Server features

When selecting a Java application server, it is important to consider the features and capabilities it offers. Different servers may provide varying levels of support for different Java technologies, such as Java EE, Jakarta EE, Spring Boot, Quarkus, and Micronaut. Additionally, you should look for the support of the Java version and specifications used by your application (e.g., Java SE 8, Java SE 11, Java EE 7, Jakarta EE 9). Furthermore, consider the support for web frameworks and libraries (e.g., Servlets, JSP, JSF, Struts, Spring MVC), data sources and persistence technologies (e.g., JDBC, JPA, Hibernate), messaging and integration technologies (e.g., JMS, Kafka), security and authentication mechanisms (e.g., JAAS, JACC), clustering and load balancing techniques (e.g., session replication), logging and auditing tools (e.g., Log4j), testing and debugging tools (e.g., JUnit), monitoring and profiling tools (e.g., JMX), as well as optimization and tuning tools (e.g., JVM options). By comparing different Java application servers based on these features, you can select the one that best suits your application needs and preferences.

3 Server performance

When selecting and optimizing a Java application server, performance should be taken into consideration. This can be measured with metrics such as throughput, latency, memory usage, and CPU utilization, and is affected by factors such as the server configuration, application code, network conditions, and hardware resources. To compare the performance of different Java application servers, benchmarks and tests must be conducted. Generally, a Java application server with a proven track record of delivering high performance and scalability should be chosen. It should have a modular and lightweight architecture to allow customization and optimization of components and services. Additionally, the documentation and support should be good for troubleshooting any performance issues or bottlenecks. The best practices for the application scenario and environment should be followed when configuring the Java application server. Using available tools and metrics, the performance should be monitored and measured to identify potential problems or areas for improvement. Finally, testing and benchmarking should be done with realistic data to ensure that the results meet expectations and requirements.

4 Server security

When selecting a Java application server, security should be a top priority. Protecting your data, users, and business from malicious threats and attacks is essential. Therefore, you should look for a Java application server that offers a robust and comprehensive security framework. This includes support for the latest security standards and protocols your application uses (e.g., TLS, HTTPS, SSL, SSO), encryption/decryption of data in transit and at rest (e.g., AES, RSA, PKI), authentication/authorization of users/resources (e.g., JAAS, JACC, JASPIC, OAuth, OpenID Connect), prevention/detection of web attacks (e.g., SQL injection, XSS, CSRF), auditing/logging of security events/actions (e.g., Log4j, SLF4J, JUL), and backup/recovery of data/configuration in case of a breach or disaster (e.g., snapshots, replication, restore). By considering these features when selecting a Java application server, you can ensure your application is secure and reliable.

5 Server cost

When selecting a Java application server, you should take cost into consideration. The license fee, maintenance and support fee, hardware and infrastructure cost, development and deployment cost, and operational and management cost are all factors to consider when calculating the total cost of ownership. By analyzing these costs, you can determine the value for money of different Java application servers and select the one that fits your budget and expectations.

6 Server popularity

When selecting a Java application server, you should consider its popularity as an indicator of quality, stability, and reputation. Popularity can also reflect the availability and accessibility of resources, communities, and support for the Java application server. To measure and compare the popularity of different Java application servers, you can use market share and rankings from Gartner, Forrester, and IDC. Additionally, user ratings and reviews on G2, Capterra, and TrustRadius are helpful. Developer surveys and opinions on Stack Overflow and JetBrains can also be useful. Furthermore, online forums and blogs on Reddit, Quora, and Medium can provide insight into the popularity of a Java application server. Finally, social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, as well as YouTube events can be valuable sources of information. With all these sources in mind, you can choose a Java application server with strong and positive popularity among the Java web application community.