What is the difference between Application server and Web server in J2EE?

The difference between Application server and Web server in J2EE lies in their primary functions and capabilities within the Java Enterprise Edition framework.

Web Server:

A Web server is responsible for handling HTTP requests, serving static content, managing web applications, and processing client-side scripting. It primarily focuses on serving web pages to users via HTTP protocols.

Examples of web servers include Apache HTTP Server, Nginx, and Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS).

Application Server:

An Application server, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive platform that not only handles HTTP requests but also provides a runtime environment for server-side applications. It supports advanced features such as load balancing, clustering, and transaction management.

Application servers are designed to run enterprise-level applications and offer additional services like connection pooling, messaging, and security.

Therefore, the key distinction between the two lies in their scope and functionality, with Web servers primarily focusing on serving web content, while Application servers provide a complete runtime environment for enterprise applications in J2EE development.