What is Jetty Web Server? [Explained in Simple Terms]

The world of web servers is vast and diverse, with a multitude of options available for different needs and use cases. Among these, Jetty holds a unique place. Jetty is a lightweight, scalable, and robust Java-based web server and servlet container. It’s known for its efficiency, modularity, and flexibility, making it a popular choice for a wide range of applications, from lightweight microservices to large-scale web applications.

According to usage statistics from W3Techs, Jetty is used by less than 0.1% of all the websites whose web server is known. Despite this seemingly small percentage, it’s important to note that Jetty’s niche lies in its suitability for specific use cases rather than general-purpose web hosting. Among the websites that use Jetty, the most popular version is Jetty 9, used by 58.2% of these websites.

This article provides a comprehensive exploration of Jetty, a robust Java-based web server, covering its architecture, key features, comparison with other servers, and tips for installation, configuration, and optimization. Whether you’re a web server administrator, or a developer, this guide aims to deepen your understanding of Jetty’s role in web hosting.

Key Takeaways

• Jetty stands out for its lightweight and flexible nature, making it a versatile choice for various environments, from Linux and Windows to cloud-based systems.
• Jetty offers a range of advanced features, including support for HTTP/2 and WebSocket, modular architecture, and a robust set of security features, positioning it well for modern web applications.
• Jetty’s performance can be significantly enhanced by tuning the JVM settings, optimizing the thread pool size, and enabling HTTP/2, among other configuration settings.
• Jetty provides robust security features, including support for HTTPS, various authentication methods, and protections against common web attacks. Regular updates and best practices further enhance security.
• Jetty’s active development community ensures its continuous evolution to meet emerging trends in web server technology, making it a future-proof choice for web hosting needs.

What is Jetty

Jetty is an open-source web server and servlet container developed by the Eclipse Foundation. It’s written in Java and designed to provide a web server and HTTP server for Java applications. It is often used for machine to machine communications within larger software frameworks, and is a popular choice for microservices due to its lightweight and modular design.

It was first released in 1995 by Mort Bay Consulting, making it one of the first web servers written in Java. Jetty was initially part of the J2EE project (Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition), but later became a top-level project under the Eclipse Foundation in 2009.

Over the years, Jetty has evolved to support the latest web standards and technologies, and has gained a reputation for being efficient, scalable, and flexible.

In the realm of web hosting, Jetty plays a significant role, particularly when it comes to hosting Java applications.

Its lightweight nature makes it an excellent choice for microservices architectures and cloud environments, where resources are at a premium. Furthermore, Jetty’s support for HTTP/2, WebSocket, and other modern web technologies makes it a forward-looking choice for web hosting.

Its modular design allows users to only use the components they need, reducing the server’s footprint and improving performance.

How Jetty Works

At its core, Jetty functions as a web server and a servlet container. As a web server, it accepts HTTP requests, processes them, and sends back HTTP responses. As a servlet container, it provides an environment where Java code can run on the server-side to dynamically generate content.

Jetty is built on a non-blocking I/O model, which means it can handle many connections simultaneously without creating a new thread for each connection. This is particularly beneficial in scenarios where there are many idle connections, as it reduces the overhead associated with thread management.

The Architecture of Jetty

Jetty’s architecture is modular and flexible. It’s composed of a core server and a collection of modules, which can be added or removed as needed. This modular design allows Jetty to be tailored to specific use cases, making it as lightweight or as feature-rich as required.

The core server handles the basic functionality of accepting connections and dispatching requests. Modules extend this functionality by providing support for various protocols (like HTTP/2 and WebSocket), integration with Java technologies (like JNDI and JAAS), and various other features (like session management and security).

Key Features and Capabilities of Jetty

Jetty comes with a host of features that make it a powerful web server and servlet container:

• HTTP/2 Support: Jetty was one of the first servers to support HTTP/2, the latest version of the HTTP protocol. This allows for faster and more efficient web communication.
• WebSocket Support: Jetty provides full support for WebSocket, a protocol that enables two-way communication between a client and a server.
• Servlet API Support: Jetty fully supports the Servlet API, allowing it to run any standard servlet or JSP.
• Non-blocking I/O: Jetty’s non-blocking I/O model allows it to handle many connections simultaneously, improving scalability.

Advanced Features and Capabilities of Jetty

In addition to its key features, Jetty also offers several advanced capabilities:

• Asynchronous HTTP Client: Jetty includes an asynchronous HTTP client that can be used to make HTTP requests from within your Java application.
• Embeddability: Jetty can be easily embedded into other Java applications, allowing it to serve content directly from the application.
• Extensibility: Jetty’s modular architecture makes it highly extensible. You can add or remove modules as needed, or even create your own modules to extend Jetty’s functionality.
• Security: Jetty includes comprehensive security features, including support for SSL/TLS, authentication, and authorization.
• Flexible Configuration: Jetty supports both programmatic and declarative configuration, allowing for fine-grained control over server behavior.
• HTTP/2 Server Push: Jetty supports HTTP/2 server push, a feature that allows the server to send multiple responses for a single client request, improving page load times.
• FastCGI Support: Jetty provides support for the FastCGI protocol, enabling integration with a wide range of popular languages and frameworks.
• Graceful Shutdown: Jetty can be configured to shut down gracefully, ensuring that all active requests are completed before the server is stopped.
• Request Logging: Jetty includes a flexible request logging mechanism, which can be customized to log specific details about each request.

Pros and Cons of Jetty

Jetty offers a unique blend of efficiency, modularity, and modern technology support, making it a compelling choice for many applications. However, it’s important to consider its potential drawbacks, such as its less efficient handling of static content and its Java-centric nature.

Advantages and Unique Strengths of Jetty

Jetty has several advantages that make it a compelling choice for many use cases:

1. Lightweight: Jetty is designed to be lightweight and efficient, making it an excellent choice for applications where resources are at a premium, such as microservices and cloud environments.
2. Modular and Extensible: Jetty’s modular architecture allows you to use only the components you need, reducing the server’s footprint and improving performance. You can even create your own modules to extend Jetty’s functionality.
3. Support for Modern Web Technologies: Jetty supports a wide range of modern web technologies, including HTTP/2, WebSocket, and Servlet 4.0. This makes it a forward-looking choice that can handle the needs of modern web applications.
4. Embeddable: Jetty can be easily embedded into other Java applications, allowing it to serve content directly from the application. This is a unique feature that sets Jetty apart from many other web servers.
5. Strong Community and Documentation: Jetty has a strong community and excellent documentation, making it easier to get help and find information when you need it.

Disadvantages and Vulnerabilities of Jetty

Despite its many strengths, Jetty also has a few disadvantages:

1. Less Suitable for Static Content: While Jetty is excellent for serving dynamic content, it can be less efficient than other servers when serving static content.
2. Complex Configuration: While Jetty’s flexibility is a strength, it can also make configuration more complex, particularly for advanced use cases.
3. Less Common: Jetty is less commonly used than some other servers, like Apache or Nginx. This means there may be fewer resources and less community knowledge available for troubleshooting specific issues.
4. Java-centric: Because Jetty is written in Java and designed to run Java applications, it may not be the best choice if you’re not using Java.
5. Performance: While Jetty’s performance is generally good, some benchmarks suggest that other servers, like Nginx, may be faster under certain conditions.

Versatility of Jetty

Jetty’s platform-independent nature allows it to run seamlessly across various environments, including Linux, Windows, and cloud platforms. Its compatibility with a wide range of Java-based Content Management Systems further enhances its versatility.

Jetty in Different Environments (Linux, Windows, Cloud)

One of the key strengths of Jetty is its versatility across different environments. Being a Java-based web server, it is platform-independent and can run on any system that supports a Java Virtual Machine (JVM). This includes popular operating systems like Linux and Windows.

On Linux, Jetty can be easily integrated with the system’s package manager for easy installation and updates. It can also take advantage of the robust process management features in Linux to ensure reliable and efficient operation.

On Windows, Jetty can be run as a service, allowing it to start automatically at boot and recover from crashes. It can also integrate with the Windows Event Log for easy monitoring and troubleshooting.

In cloud environments, Jetty’s lightweight and modular nature make it an excellent choice. It can be easily containerized using technologies like Docker, and can scale horizontally to handle increased load. Many cloud providers, including AWS and Google Cloud, offer support for running Jetty applications.

Jetty with Different CMS

Jetty’s support for the Servlet API and JSP makes it compatible with a wide range of Content Management Systems that are built on these technologies. This includes popular Java-based CMS like Magnolia, Liferay, and Adobe Experience Manager.

However, it’s important to note that Jetty may not be the best choice for CMS that are built on other technologies. For example, WordPress, which is built on PHP, would typically be better served by a web server with strong PHP support, like Apache or Nginx.

In conclusion, Jetty’s versatility makes it a strong choice for a wide range of applications, from microservices to large-scale web applications, and across a variety of environments and CMS.

Jetty vs Nginx, Apache, IIS, LiteSpeed

Choosing the right web server is crucial for the performance and reliability of your application. In this comparison, we’ll examine Jetty against other popular web servers: Nginx, Apache (HTTPD), IIS, and LiteSpeed, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Each Web Server

Each web server has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them often depends on the specific needs of your application.

• Jetty: As we’ve discussed, Jetty is lightweight, modular, and supports a wide range of modern web technologies. It’s particularly well-suited for serving dynamic content and for use in microservices architectures. However, it may be less efficient at serving static content, and its configuration can be complex for advanced use cases.
• Nginx: Nginx is known for its high performance, stability, and low resource consumption. It’s excellent at serving static content and handling many simultaneous connections. However, it lacks native support for some protocols like WebDAV and lacks a built-in GUI for configuration.
• Apache: Apache is the most widely used web server and has a vast array of modules that extend its functionality. It’s highly configurable and has strong support for various scripting languages. However, it can be less efficient than Nginx or LiteSpeed when handling high traffic.
• IIS: IIS (Internet Information Services) is a web server from Microsoft. It’s fully integrated with the Windows ecosystem and offers excellent support for .NET applications. However, it’s less efficient than Nginx or LiteSpeed and is limited to the Windows platform.
• LiteSpeed: LiteSpeed is a high-performance, lightweight web server that is compatible with Apache’s mod_rewrite rules and .htaccess files. It’s particularly efficient at serving static content and handling SSL connections. However, it’s a commercial product, unlike the other servers mentioned here, which are open-source.

Ideal Use Cases for Each Web Server

• Jetty: Ideal for Java applications, microservices architectures, and environments where resources are at a premium.
• Nginx: Great for serving static content, handling high traffic, and as a reverse proxy or load balancer.
• Apache: Top choice for applications that require a wide range of functionalities and strong scripting language support.
• IIS: Ideal for Windows environments and applications built on .NET.
• LiteSpeed: Recommended for high-traffic websites and applications that require high performance and security.

Installation and Configuration of Jetty

Jetty’s lightweight nature and ease of use extend to its installation and configuration process. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a beginner, setting up Jetty on your system can be a straightforward task. However, to get the most out of Jetty, it’s essential to understand its configuration settings and how to optimize them for your specific needs.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Install Jetty

Installing Jetty is a straightforward process. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Download Jetty: Visit the official Jetty website and download the latest version of Jetty.
2. Extract the Archive: Once the download is complete, extract the archive to a directory of your choice. This will be your Jetty home directory.
3. Run Jetty: Navigate to the Jetty home directory in your terminal and run the command java -jar start.jar. This will start the Jetty server.

Remember, Jetty requires Java to run, so make sure you have a compatible version of Java installed on your system.

Explanation of Basic Configuration Settings for Jetty

Jetty’s configuration is primarily done through XML files located in the etc directory in the Jetty home directory. Here are some basic settings you might want to configure:

• HTTP Port: The port on which Jetty listens for HTTP requests. This is configured in the etc/jetty-http.xml file.
• HTTPS Port: The port on which Jetty listens for HTTPS requests. This is configured in the etc/jetty-ssl.xml file.
• Context Path: The URL path that maps to your web application. This is configured in the web application’s WEB-INF/jetty-web.xml file.

Tips for Optimal Configuration of Jetty

Here are some tips for optimizing your Jetty configuration:

• Use the Right JVM: Jetty’s performance can be significantly affected by the choice of JVM and the JVM settings. Make sure you’re using a JVM that is optimized for server applications.
• Tune Your Thread Pool: Jetty uses a thread pool to handle incoming requests. Tuning the size of this thread pool to match your server’s capabilities can improve performance.
• Enable HTTP/2: If your application can benefit from the features of HTTP/2, such as multiplexing and server push, make sure to enable HTTP/2 in your Jetty configuration.

Security, Performance, and Optimization of Jetty

Jetty is not just about ease of use and flexibility. It’s also about providing a secure and high-performing environment for your web applications. From built-in security features to performance optimization tips, understanding how to secure and optimize your Jetty server is crucial for maintaining a robust web hosting environment.

Security Features of Jetty

Jetty comes with a range of security features designed to help protect your web applications. These include:

• HTTPS Support: Jetty supports HTTPS out of the box, allowing you to encrypt traffic between the server and the client.
• Authentication and Authorization: Jetty provides several methods for authenticating users and controlling access to resources, including basic, digest, form, and client certificate authentication.
• Cross-Origin Resource Sharing (CORS): Jetty includes built-in support for CORS, which can help prevent cross-site request forgery attacks.
• Protection Against Common Attacks: Jetty includes protections against common web attacks, such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS).

Best Practices for Securing Your Jetty Web Server

Here are some best practices for securing your Jetty server:

• Keep Jetty Up to Date: Always use the latest version of Jetty, as it will include the latest security patches and improvements.
• Use Strong Authentication: Use strong authentication methods, such as client certificate authentication, to protect sensitive resources.
• Limit Access: Use Jetty’s authorization features to limit access to sensitive resources. Only give users the permissions they need to perform their tasks.
• Use HTTPS: Always use HTTPS to encrypt traffic between the server and the client. This helps protect sensitive data from being intercepted.

Tips for Optimizing Jetty for Better Performance

Here are some tips for optimizing your Jetty server for better performance:

• Tune Your JVM: The performance of Jetty can be significantly affected by your JVM settings. Make sure to tune your JVM for optimal performance.
• Use HTTP/2: HTTP/2 offers several performance improvements over HTTP/1.1, such as multiplexing and server push. If your application can benefit from these features, make sure to enable HTTP/2 in your Jetty configuration.
• Tune Your Thread Pool: Jetty uses a thread pool to handle incoming requests. Tuning the size of this thread pool to match your server’s capabilities can improve performance.

Remember, the best configuration for Jetty depends on the specifics of your application and your server environment. Always test different settings to find the optimal configuration for your needs.

Troubleshooting Jetty

Even with the best setup, you might encounter issues while running Jetty. Knowing how to troubleshoot common problems and where to find help can save you a lot of time and frustration. Whether it’s understanding error messages or navigating through the official documentation, effective troubleshooting skills are a valuable part of managing a Jetty server.

Common Issues in Jetty and How to Resolve Them

Like any software, Jetty can sometimes encounter issues. Here are a few common problems and their solutions:

• Jetty Fails to Start: If Jetty fails to start, the first place to look is the log files. They can often provide clues about what went wrong. Common issues include port conflicts and insufficient memory.
• HTTP 404 Errors: If you’re seeing 404 errors, it could mean that the requested resource doesn’t exist, or that the context path in your web application’s configuration is incorrect.
• Slow Performance: If Jetty is running slowly, it could be due to a number of factors. Check your JVM settings, your thread pool size, and your network bandwidth. Also, consider enabling HTTP/2 if it’s not already enabled.

Resources for Getting Help with Jetty

If you’re having trouble with Jetty, there are several resources available to help:

• Official Documentation: The official Jetty documentation is a comprehensive resource that covers all aspects of using Jetty.
• Mailing List: The Jetty users mailing list is a great place to ask questions and get help from the Jetty community.
• Stack Overflow: There are many questions about Jetty on Stack Overflow, and it’s a good place to find solutions to common problems.

Remember, the best way to avoid problems with Jetty is to keep your server up to date, follow best practices for configuration and security, and monitor your server’s performance regularly.

Future of Jetty Web Server Software

While the specific roadmap for Jetty’s future development is not publicly available, the team behind Jetty is known for its commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. They regularly release updates that include new features, performance improvements, and security enhancements.

The best way to stay informed about upcoming features and improvements in Jetty is to follow the project’s official channels, such as the Jetty developers mailing list.

Trends in Web Server Technology and How Jetty Fits Into These Trends

Web server technology is continually evolving, driven by the needs of modern web applications. Trends include the increasing importance of performance, especially in terms of handling concurrent connections and serving static and dynamic content efficiently. Security is also a top priority, with a focus on features that help protect against common web threats.

Jetty is well-positioned to meet these trends. Its lightweight and modular design make it highly flexible and capable of high performance, even under heavy loads. It supports the latest web standards, including HTTP/2 and WebSocket, and provides robust security features. Furthermore, Jetty’s active development community ensures it continues to evolve in response to new trends and technologies in web server technology.

Conclusion

Jetty is a powerful, flexible, and efficient web server and servlet container that’s well-suited to a wide range of applications. Its lightweight nature, coupled with its robust set of features, makes it a compelling choice for developers and administrators alike. Whether you’re running a small website or a large-scale web application, Jetty offers the performance, security, and versatility you need.

Understanding how Jetty works, how to install and configure it, and how to troubleshoot common issues can help you get the most out of this remarkable web server. Moreover, by staying informed about future developments and trends in web server technology, you can ensure that your web hosting environment remains robust, secure, and capable of meeting the demands of modern web applications.

We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of Jetty and its capabilities. If you have any further questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.

We’re always here to help. Happy hosting with Jetty!

FAQ

1. What makes Jetty a good choice for web hosting?

   Jetty is lightweight, flexible, and efficient, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. It supports the latest web standards, offers robust security features, and its performance can be optimized through various configuration settings. Additionally, Jetty’s active development community ensures it continues to evolve with emerging web server technology trends.

2. How does Jetty compare to other web servers like Nginx, Apache, IIS, and LiteSpeed?

   Jetty, like other web servers, has its strengths and weaknesses. It stands out for its lightweight and flexible nature, making it a versatile choice for various environments. However, the choice between Jetty and other web servers often depends on the specific needs of your application, as each server has its unique features and capabilities.

3. What are some common issues in Jetty and how can they be resolved?

   Common issues in Jetty include the server failing to start, HTTP 404 errors, and slow performance. These can often be resolved by checking the log files, ensuring the correct context path in your web application’s configuration, and optimizing your JVM settings, thread pool size, and network bandwidth, among other things.

4. How can I optimize Jetty for better performance?

   Jetty’s performance can be optimized by tuning your JVM settings, optimizing the thread pool size, and enabling HTTP/2, among other configuration settings. It’s also important to monitor your server’s performance regularly and adjust settings as needed.

5. What is the future of Jetty?

   While specific details about Jetty’s future development are not publicly available, the team behind Jetty is known for its commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. They regularly release updates that include new features, performance improvements, and security enhancements. Following the project’s official channels is the best way to stay informed about upcoming features and improvements in Jetty.