Apache Software Foundation Unveils Tomcat 11.0
Today, the Apache Software Foundation (ASF), a group of passionate volunteers dedicated to the advancement of open-source software, proudly announces the release of Apache Tomcat 11.0. This release not only introduces new features but also celebrates a significant milestone—the 25th anniversary of the first commit to the Tomcat source code repository as an ASF project. For those who may not know, Apache Tomcat is a robust Java application server that implements key specifications of the Jakarta EE platform, including popular technologies like Jakarta Servlet and Jakarta WebSocket.
Community Engagement and Project History
Tomcat's journey began at Sun Microsystems, where it served as the reference implementation for Java Servlet and Java Server Pages. In 1999, Sun donated the Tomcat code base to the ASF, marking the start of a new chapter in its development. With Tomcat 11.0, this marks the ninth major release since it became part of the ASF. As Tomcat continues to evolve, its release cycle aligns seamlessly with new releases of the Servlet specification, ensuring users benefit from immediate access to the latest features.
The Importance of Community over Code
Mark Thomas, a prominent member of the Tomcat Project Management Committee (PMC), reflects on the essence of the Tomcat project, stating, "The Tomcat project illustrates the ASF’s Community Over Code spirit. This concept underscores the significance of nurturing a collaborative community, which is foundational for successful open-source development and long-term sustainability." This community-driven approach is crucial, and one reason behind Tomcat's popularity is the commitment to back-porting new features to all currently supported versions, ensuring users can upgrade smoothly.
Exciting Features in Tomcat 11.0
Apache Tomcat 11.0 comes packed with innovative features designed to enhance performance and usability:
- Virtual thread support, which facilitates easier application scaling to handle larger workloads.
- An automatic reloading feature for updated TLS keys and certificates without any downtime, streamlining integration with LetsEncrypt for certificate renewals.
- Enhanced support for utilizing OpenSSL for TLS, thanks to Java's FFM API, making integration with OpenSSL more reliable and user-friendly.
As with all major releases, Tomcat 11.0 will also receive a decade of support, providing users with the confidence of long-term stability and performance excellence. Regular monthly releases will follow to address bug fixes and improve functionality continually.
Celebrating 25 Years of Innovation
As part of the celebrations for Tomcat's 25th anniversary, a community event is scheduled, where open-source enthusiasts gather to share insights and advancements. This gathering is not just a celebration; it's a testament to the dedication of the developers who contribute to the ASF. Tomcat serves as a beacon in the open-source landscape, with over 60% of developers around the globe choosing it as their application server.
About the Apache Software Foundation
Founded in 1999, the Apache Software Foundation is dedicated to supporting software projects for the public good. With over 75 sponsors backing its initiatives, the ASF has nurtured a host of successful open-source projects, empowering more than 8,400 contributors to collaborate on over 320 active projects. Notable projects under the ASF banner include Apache HTTP Server, Apache Kafka, and Apache Airflow, marking significant contributions to the tech community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Apache Tomcat?
Apache Tomcat is an open-source Java application server that implements various Jakarta EE specifications, providing a stable platform for building and deploying Java-based web applications.
How long will Tomcat 11.0 be supported?
Tomcat 11.0 will receive support for 10 years, ensuring stability and continued enhancement through regular updates and bug fixes.
Why is community important to Apache Tomcat?
The ASF emphasizes community support as a foundation for open-source development. Engaging developers and promoting collaboration fosters innovation and sustainability.
What are the key features of Tomcat 11.0?
Tomcat 11.0 offers virtual thread support, automatic TLS certificate reloading, and enhanced integration with OpenSSL for TLS.
How has the Apache Software Foundation impacted open-source development?
The ASF has been instrumental in establishing industry standards, creating a vibrant ecosystem for open-source projects, and nurturing a strong community of contributors.
