How to Install and Configure Apache Tomcat Server – Beginner Guide

Introduction

To run Servlets and JSP, you need a web server and servlet container.
Apache Tomcat is the most popular and beginner-friendly server used in Java web development.

In this lesson, you will learn:

What Apache Tomcat is
Why it is required for Servlets
How to install Tomcat
How to configure Tomcat with your IDE
How to verify that Tomcat is working

This guide assumes no prior experience with servers.

What Is Apache Tomcat?

Simple Definition:

Apache Tomcat is a web server and servlet container used to run Java Servlets and JSP pages.

In simple words:

Tomcat is the environment where your Servlet code runs.

Why Do We Need Apache Tomcat?

Java Servlets:

Cannot run directly like normal Java programs
Need a Servlet container to manage:
- Lifecycle
- Requests & responses
- Threads
- Security

Tomcat provides:

Servlet container
JSP engine
HTTP server support

Without Tomcat, Servlets will not run.

Apache Tomcat Architecture

Browser
   ↓
Apache Tomcat Server
   ↓
Servlet / JSP
   ↓
Java Code & Database

Prerequisites Before Installing Tomcat

Before installing Tomcat, ensure:

Java JDK is installed
JAVA_HOME is set
Java version is verified

Check using:

java -version

If Java version appears, you’re ready.

Downloading Apache Tomcat

Step 1: Choose Tomcat Version

Recommended:

Apache Tomcat 9 or 10 (Beginner-friendly)

Tomcat 9 is widely used and stable for learning Servlets.

Step 2: Download

Download Core → ZIP file
Extract to a folder like:

C:\apache-tomcat-9.0.xx

(Linux/macOS: /opt/tomcat/ or home directory)

Understanding Tomcat Folder Structure

After extraction, you’ll see:

Folder	Purpose
`bin`	Startup & shutdown scripts
`conf`	Configuration files
`lib`	Libraries
`logs`	Server logs
`webapps`	Web applications
`work`	Temporary compiled files

webapps is where your projects run.

Starting Apache Tomcat (Manual)

Step 1: Go to `bin` Folder

apache-tomcat-9.0.xx/bin

Step 2: Start Server

Windows:

startup.bat

Linux / macOS:

./startup.sh

Step 3: Verify Installation

Open browser and visit:

http://localhost:8080

If Tomcat homepage appears, installation is successful.

Stopping Apache Tomcat

To stop the server:

Windows:

shutdown.bat

Linux / macOS:

./shutdown.sh

Always stop Tomcat properly to avoid issues.

Setting Up Tomcat in Eclipse IDE

Step 1: Open Eclipse

Go to:

Window → Show View → Servers

Step 2: Add New Server

Click New Server
Select Apache → Tomcat
Choose installed Tomcat version
Browse Tomcat installation directory
Select JDK
Finish

Step 3: Start Server in Eclipse

Right-click server → Start
Check console for errors

Eclipse will manage Tomcat automatically.

Setting Up Tomcat in IntelliJ IDEA

Step 1: Configure Application Server

File → Settings → Application Servers

Add Tomcat
Select Tomcat home directory

Step 2: Create Run Configuration

Add Tomcat Server
Deploy your web project
Start server

IntelliJ automatically handles deployment.

Default Tomcat Port & Configuration

Default port: 8080
Configuration file:

conf/server.xml

Port can be changed if needed (advanced topic).