Apache Tomcat Download For Ubuntu

Apache Tomcat is an open-source implementation of the Java Servlet, JavaServer Pages, and Java Expression Language technologies. It powers numerous large-scale, mission-critical web applications across a diverse range of industries and sectors. As a lightweight, flexible, and feature-rich application server, Tomcat is a popular choice for developers looking to deploy Java-based web applications on Linux systems, including Ubuntu.

Prerequisites for Installing Apache Tomcat on Ubuntu

Before diving into the installation process, it’s essential to ensure that your Ubuntu system meets the following prerequisites:

A running instance of Ubuntu Server or Desktop.
A user account with sudo privileges.
An updated package index. This can be achieved by running
sudo apt update

.
Java Development Kit (JDK) installed on your system. Tomcat requires Java to run Java-based web applications.

Installing Java Development Kit (JDK)

To install the default JDK on Ubuntu, use the following command:

sudo apt install default-jdk

After installation, verify the Java version with:

java -version

Downloading Apache Tomcat

The latest version of Apache Tomcat can be downloaded from the official Apache Tomcat website. It is recommended to download the latest stable release to benefit from the most recent features and security fixes.

Finding the Correct Version

Navigate to the Apache Tomcat download page at http://tomcat.apache.org/download-90.cgi. Choose the version that suits your requirements, typically the latest one under the “Stable” category.

Downloading via Command Line

You can download Tomcat directly to your Ubuntu server using the `wget` command. First, copy the link to the ‘tar.gz’ file from the Tomcat downloads page. Then, in your terminal, execute:

wget http://www-us.apache.org/dist/tomcat/tomcat-9/v9.0.XX/bin/apache-tomcat-9.0.XX.tar.gz

Replace ‘9.0.XX’ with the actual version number you wish to download.

Installing Apache Tomcat on Ubuntu

Once the download is complete, follow these steps to install Apache Tomcat on your Ubuntu system.

Extracting the Tomcat Archive

Use the `tar` command to extract the downloaded archive:

sudo tar xvf apache-tomcat-9*.tar.gz -C /opt/tomcat

This will extract Tomcat to ‘/opt/tomcat’. You may choose a different directory if you prefer.

Setting Up User Permissions

For security and maintenance purposes, it’s best practice to create a dedicated user for running Tomcat:

sudo groupadd tomcat
sudo useradd -s /bin/false -g tomcat -d /opt/tomcat tomcat

Then, change the ownership of the Tomcat directory to the ‘tomcat’ user:

sudo chown -R tomcat: /opt/tomcat

Creating a Systemd Service File

To manage Tomcat as a service, create a systemd service file:

sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/tomcat.service

Add the following content to the file:

[Unit]
Description=Apache Tomcat Web Application Container
After=network.target

[Service]
Type=forking

Environment=JAVA_HOME=/usr/lib/jvm/java-1.11.0-openjdk-amd64
Environment=CATALINA_PID=/opt/tomcat/temp/tomcat.pid
Environment=CATALINA_HOME=/opt/tomcat
Environment=CATALINA_BASE=/opt/tomcat
Environment='CATALINA_OPTS=-Xms512M -Xmx1024M -server -XX:+UseParallelGC'
Environment='JAVA_OPTS=-Djava.awt.headless=true -Djava.security.egd=file:/dev/./urandom'

ExecStart=/opt/tomcat/bin/startup.sh
ExecStop=/opt/tomcat/bin/shutdown.sh

User=tomcat
Group=tomcat
UMask=0007
RestartSec=10
Restart=always

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target

Adjust the JAVA_HOME path based on where Java is installed on your system.

Starting and Enabling Tomcat Service

Reload the systemd daemon to apply the new service file:

sudo systemctl daemon-reload

Now start the Tomcat service:

sudo systemctl start tomcat

Enable the service to start on boot:

sudo systemctl enable tomcat

Verifying the Installation

Open your web browser and navigate to http://your_server_ip:8080. You should see the default Tomcat landing page, indicating that Tomcat is running correctly.

Configuring Apache Tomcat Security

After installing Tomcat, it’s crucial to secure the Tomcat Manager and Host Manager apps by editing the ‘tomcat-users.xml’ file.

sudo nano /opt/tomcat/conf/tomcat-users.xml

Add user roles and users within the “ tags like so:

<tomcat-users>
    <role rolename="manager-gui"/>
    <role rolename="admin-gui"/>
    <user username="admin" password="securepassword" roles="manager-gui,admin-gui"/>
</tomcat-users>

Remember to replace “securepassword” with a strong password of your choosing.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When working with Apache Tomcat, you might encounter issues such as port conflicts, permission errors, or Java-related problems. Here are some tips for troubleshooting common issues:

Ensure no other services are running on port 8080.
Check the Tomcat logs located in ‘/opt/tomcat/logs’ for any error messages.
Verify that the ‘JAVA_HOME’ environment variable is set correctly.

FAQ Section

How do I update Apache Tomcat to a newer version?

To update Tomcat, download the new version and repeat the installation process. Remember to back up your web applications and configuration files before updating.

Can I install multiple instances of Tomcat on a single Ubuntu server?

Yes, you can run multiple Tomcat instances on a single server by setting up separate directories and service files for each instance.

What should I do if I forget the Tomcat admin password?

If you forget the admin password, you can reset it by editing the ‘tomcat-users.xml’ file and restarting the Tomcat service.

Is it necessary to have root access to install Apache Tomcat?

While root access is not strictly necessary, having sudo privileges is required to perform certain actions, such as creating a systemd service file.

How can I secure my Tomcat installation further?

Beyond securing the manager apps, consider implementing SSL/TLS, using a reverse proxy like Apache HTTP Server or Nginx, and keeping your Tomcat and Java versions up-to-date.