Oracle software

GlassFish vs WildFly: Choosing the Right Application Server

GlassFish vs WildFly

  • GlassFish is best for development and testing due to its adherence to Jakarta EE standards. It is user-friendly but resource-intensive for large-scale apps.
  • WildFly: Ideal for production, offering high performance, modular architecture, and scalability. Suitable for enterprise and distributed systems.

GlassFish vs WildFly: Choosing the Right Application Server

GlassFish vs WildFly

GlassFish and WildFly are two of the most popular open-source Java-based application servers. While both can deploy robust enterprise Java applications, their differences can significantly impact your projects.

Below, we explore key aspects of GlassFish and WildFly to help you determine which is best for your specific needs.

Overview of GlassFish and WildFly

GlassFish is the reference implementation for Java EE (now Jakarta EE). It was designed to demonstrate the full capabilities of the Java EE standard. Due to its strict adherence to Java EE specifications, it’s widely used for development and testing.

WildFly, previously known as JBoss AS, is a highly modular and lightweight application server developed by Red Hat. It’s known for its flexibility, high performance, and ability to scale, making it a popular choice for production environments.

FeatureGlassFishWildFly
Initial Release20051999 (as JBoss AS)
DeveloperOracle (then Eclipse Foundation)Red Hat
LicenseCDDL + GPL with Classpath ExceptionLGPL
Current FocusJakarta EE reference implementationEnterprise-grade production

Core Features

GlassFish

  • Reference Implementation: GlassFish is the reference implementation for Java EE (Jakarta EE), which ensures full compliance with the latest standards.
  • Integrated Development Features: GlassFish includes an admin console, scripting tools, and monitoring features, making it ideal for developers looking to test and prototype applications.
  • Support for Cutting-Edge Features: As the reference implementation, it’s often the first to support new Jakarta EE features.
  • Extensibility: GlassFish supports integration with a wide array of libraries and frameworks.

WildFly

  • High Performance: WildFly is optimized for production environments, providing superior speed and scalability.
  • Modular Architecture: It uses the JBoss Modules framework, allowing developers to load only the necessary modules, reducing the memory footprint.
  • Enhanced Security: WildFly has advanced security mechanisms, including integration with Elytron for unified security configurations.
  • Clustering and Load Balancing: Built-in clustering capabilities make it a strong choice for distributed systems.
  • Hot Deployment: Applications can be deployed or updated without server restarting, ensuring minimal downtime.

Ease of Use

  • GlassFish: Its user-friendly admin console and detailed documentation make it a great choice for beginners or developers working on prototypes. However, it can be resource-intensive for large-scale applications.
  • WildFly: While WildFly has a steeper learning curve due to its modular design, its Command Line Interface (CLI) and management tools are powerful and flexible for experienced developers.

Performance Comparison

GlassFish

  • Suitable for small to medium-sized applications.
  • High memory consumption under heavy loads.
  • Slower startup times compared to WildFly.

WildFly

  • Optimized for high-performance production workloads.
  • Lower memory usage due to its modular architecture.
  • Fast startup times, even for large applications.

Deployment and Configuration

GlassFish:

  • Supports deployment via the admin console, CLI, or directly copying files to the deployment directory.
  • Configuration is straightforward but may require additional effort for scaling and tuning.

WildFly:

  • Deployment can be performed through the CLI, management console, or script automation.
  • Configuration is modular and highly customizable, which can be both a strength and a challenge.

Use Cases

GlassFish

  • Development and Testing: As the reference implementation, it is ideal for verifying applications’ compatibility with Jakarta EE specifications.
  • Small Projects: Suitable for small-scale applications where simplicity and compliance are key.
  • Educational Purposes: Frequently used in learning environments to demonstrate Java EE standards.

WildFly

  • Production Environments: Its high performance, scalability, and clustering make it perfect for enterprise-grade applications.
  • Microservices Architecture: Its support for lightweight deployments and Docker containers makes it a strong choice for microservices.
  • Complex Applications: Designed for handling large, distributed, and resource-intensive systems.

Support and Community

GlassFish:

  • Active community maintained by the Eclipse Foundation.
  • Limited commercial support options.

WildFly:

  • Strong community backed by Red Hat.
  • Commercial support is available through the Red Hat JBoss Enterprise Application Platform (EAP).

Security

GlassFish:

  • Provides standard Java EE security features.
  • It may require additional customization for advanced security needs.

WildFly:

  • Advanced security mechanisms like Elytron for unified security configuration.
  • Robust mechanisms for role-based access control, encryption, and secure communication.

Real-World Example Scenarios

Real-World Example Scenarios glassfish

Scenario 1: Startups and Small Projects

A small startup is building a simple web application. The developers prioritize quick development cycles and compliance with Jakarta EE. GlassFish is a great choice here due to its simplicity, admin console, and immediate compatibility with Java EE standards.

Scenario 2: Enterprise Application

A large financial institution requires a distributed system that can handle high traffic, clustering, and scalability. WildFly, with its modular design, high performance, and built-in clustering capabilities, is ideal.

Scenario 3: Educational Use

A university course teaching Jakarta EE standards chooses GlassFish because of its reference implementation status and simplicity, which helps students understand the specifications.

Scenario 4: Microservices Deployment

A tech company building a microservices-based architecture opts for WildFly. Its lightweight deployments, Docker support, and flexible configurations align well with containerized environments.

Pros and Cons

FeatureGlassFish ProsGlassFish ConsWildFly ProsWildFly Cons
Ease of UseUser-friendly, good for beginnersResource-intensive for large appsFlexible CLI and toolsSteeper learning curve
PerformanceGood for small-medium projectsHigh memory usage under loadOptimized for high performanceMay require tuning for small apps
ScalabilitySuitable for limited scalingRequires more effort for large-scaleExcellent clustering capabilitiesCan be complex to configure
SecurityStandard Java EE securityAdvanced security needs extra effortRobust, advanced mechanismsMay overwhelm basic projects

Conclusion

Choosing between GlassFish and WildFly largely depends on your specific use case. If you’re developing and testing Jakarta EE applications or running small projects, GlassFish offers simplicity and adherence to standards. On the other hand, WildFly is better suited for production environments, complex enterprise applications, and microservices due to its performance, scalability, and modular architecture.

Understanding each server’s strengths and limitations will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your project’s needs and future growth plans.

FAQ: GlassFish vs WildFly

What is GlassFish primarily used for?
GlassFish is mainly used as the Jakarta EE reference implementation, making it ideal for developing and testing Java EE applications.

What makes WildFly suitable for production environments?
WildFly’s modular architecture, high performance, and built-in clustering make it a strong choice for large-scale and distributed production environments.

How do GlassFish and WildFly differ in scalability?
GlassFish works well for small—to medium-scale applications but struggles with scalability. WildFly’s modular design and clustering capabilities efficiently handle large-scale systems.

Which is better for Java EE compliance?
GlassFish is better for Java EE compliance as it is the reference implementation, ensuring full compatibility with the latest Jakarta EE standards.

How do the two servers compare in terms of security?
WildFly offers advanced security mechanisms like Elytron, while GlassFish provides standard Jakarta EE security features but may need extra effort for complex needs.

Which server performs better under heavy loads?
WildFly outperforms GlassFish under heavy loads due to its modular architecture and optimization for high-performance environments.

What are the deployment options for GlassFish?
GlassFish supports deployment via an admin console, CLI, and file directory. It is beginner-friendly but less customizable compared to WildFly.

What deployment features make WildFly stand out?
WildFly’s CLI and automated scripting options provide advanced deployment flexibility, which is ideal for large and complex environments.

Can GlassFish handle microservices?
GlassFish can handle microservices, but it lacks the lightweight and containerized features that make WildFly more suited for such architectures.

What are the licensing differences between the two?
GlassFish uses CDDL and GPL licenses, while WildFly operates under the LGPL license, which allows broader commercial use.

Which is easier to configure for beginners?
GlassFish offers a user-friendly admin console and straightforward setup, making it easier for beginners.

Does WildFly have a steeper learning curve?
WildFly’s modular architecture and advanced features require a more significant learning curve but provide greater flexibility for experienced developers.

Is GlassFish still actively maintained?
Yes, GlassFish is maintained by the Eclipse Foundation, ensuring it stays updated as the Jakarta EE reference implementation.

What support options are available for WildFly?
WildFly has strong community support and commercial options through Red Hat’s JBoss Enterprise Application Platform (EAP).

Can both servers be used for educational purposes?
Yes, GlassFish is popular in education due to its Jakarta EE compliance, while WildFly can demonstrate advanced production features.

How do the two servers compare in admin tools?
GlassFish provides a user-friendly admin console, while WildFly offers a powerful CLI and management console for advanced configurations.

Which is better for containerized environments?
WildFly’s lightweight architecture and support for Docker and Kubernetes make it a superior choice for containerized setups.

Are both servers open-source?
Yes, both GlassFish and WildFly are open-source, with active communities supporting their development and usage.

What are the hardware requirements for each server?
GlassFish typically consumes more resources, while WildFly’s modular design allows for lower memory and CPU usage.

Which is better for real-time updates and hot deployment?
WildFly supports hot deployment, allowing real-time updates without server restarts, making it better for dynamic environments.

Is one better suited for small businesses?
GlassFish is better for small businesses due to its simplicity and user-friendly interface, while WildFly suits larger, scalable needs.

How do the communities compare for each server?
WildFly benefits from Red Hat’s backing and strong community, while GlassFish’s community is smaller but active under Eclipse.

What IDEs work best with GlassFish and WildFly?
Both servers integrate well with popular IDEs like IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, and NetBeans.

Can I use both servers in the same environment?
Yes, but it is uncommon. Developers usually choose one based on their project’s specific needs and requirements.

Are there any cloud-native features in WildFly?
WildFly’s support for Docker, Kubernetes, and microservices makes it well-suited for cloud-native applications.

Is GlassFish suitable for high-traffic applications?
GlassFish is not ideal for high-traffic applications as it struggles with scalability under heavy loads.

Which server is better for rapid prototyping?
GlassFish is a better choice for rapid prototyping due to its compliance with Jakarta EE and simple configuration.

Can WildFly be used in distributed systems?
WildFly’s clustering and load-balancing capabilities make it an excellent choice for distributed systems.

What is the future of GlassFish and WildFly?
GlassFish will continue evolving with Jakarta EE, while WildFly focuses on production-grade features and integrations for modern enterprises.

What are the major cons of using GlassFish?
GlassFish consumes more resources, struggles with scalability, and is less optimized for production than WildFly.

What are the downsides of WildFly?
WildFly has a steeper learning curve and may require more expertise to configure and manage effectively.

Author
  • Fredrik Filipsson has 20 years of experience in Oracle license management, including nine years working at Oracle and 11 years as a consultant, assisting major global clients with complex Oracle licensing issues. Before his work in Oracle licensing, he gained valuable expertise in IBM, SAP, and Salesforce licensing through his time at IBM. In addition, Fredrik has played a leading role in AI initiatives and is a successful entrepreneur, co-founding Redress Compliance and several other companies.

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