Master Apache Tomcat: Complete Web Server Course Outline (Beginner to Advanced)

 

🌐 Tomcat Web Server Course Outline (Beginner to Advanced, Latest Features )

📌 Introduction

Apache Tomcat is a widely-used open-source web server and servlet container for hosting Java-based web applications. Developers and system administrators need Tomcat expertise to deploy, secure, and optimize modern Java applications. This course roadmap covers Tomcat from installation and configuration to advanced deployment, performance tuning, and integration with modern technologies, including the latest updates.

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📘 Detailed Course Outline

 

Module 1: Tomcat Fundamentals (Beginner Level)

• Introduction to Tomcat

  • What is Tomcat & its role in Java web hosting

  • Tomcat vs other servers (IIS, Nginx, Apache HTTPD)

  • Tomcat architecture (Catalina, Coyote, Jasper, connectors)

  • Tomcat versions overview (latest 10.x, 11.x)

  • Installing Tomcat on Windows, Linux, macOS

• Basic Configuration

  • Directory structure & config files (server.xml, web.xml)

  • Ports, connectors, and listeners explained

  • Starting, stopping, and restarting Tomcat

  • Deploying a simple Java web app

• Application Management

  • Deploying WAR files (manual & via Tomcat Manager)

  • Auto vs manual deployment

  • Context paths & application context setup

  • Virtual hosts for multiple apps

  • Session management & timeout configuration

• Security Fundamentals

  • Tomcat security model & roles (tomcat-users.xml)

  • Configuring HTTPS/SSL & TLS

  • Security constraints in web.xml

  • Hardening Tomcat against vulnerabilities

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Module 2: Advanced Tomcat Deployment & Optimization (Intermediate–Advanced Level)

• Advanced Configuration

  • Clustering & session replication (high availability)

  • Load balancing with Apache HTTPD (mod_jk, mod_proxy)

  • JVM & memory tuning for Tomcat

  • JNDI DataSources & DB connection pools

  • Logging configuration & best practices

• Performance Tuning & Monitoring

  • Monitoring with JMX & VisualVM

  • Access logs & performance monitoring tools

  • Thread pool & connector optimization

  • Web caching strategies

  • Profiling & diagnosing slow requests

• Tomcat in Modern Applications

  • Hosting Spring Boot, Jakarta EE, JSP apps

  • CI/CD pipeline integration

  • Running Tomcat in Docker & Kubernetes

  • Microservices deployment on Tomcat

  • WebSocket & HTTP/2 support

• Troubleshooting & Best Practices

  • Common Tomcat errors & resolutions

  • Debugging with Catalina logs

  • JVM crash & thread dump analysis

  • Backup & restore strategies

  • Deployment, security & performance best practices

• Latest Tomcat Features (2024–2025)

  • Support for Jakarta EE 10+

  • Enhanced HTTP/2 & ALPN support

  • Improved clustering & session replication

  • Official Docker-native Tomcat images

  • Security updates for Java 20+

  • Improved logging & monitoring

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📌 Conclusion

Mastering Apache Tomcat equips developers and system administrators to deploy, secure, and optimize Java-based web applications efficiently. From basic installation to advanced performance tuning, clustering, and modern cloud deployment, this course roadmap ensures learners are ready to handle professional enterprise and cloud-based environments using the latest Tomcat features.

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