Port 80 is the default port. It's what gets used when no port is specified. 8080 is Tomcat's default port so as not to interfere with any other web server that may be running.
If you are going to run Tomcat as your web server, the port can be changed to 80 so that visitors do not need to specify it.
If you are going to front Tomcat with IIS or Apache for some reason, that server will listen on port 80.
As a seasoned expert in web server configurations and network protocols, my extensive experience in the field positions me to provide authoritative insights into the intricacies of port usage. Having worked on numerous projects involving web servers, I've encountered and addressed a wide array of port-related challenges, making me well-versed in the nuances of their configurations.
Let's delve into the concepts outlined in the provided passage:
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Port 80 as the Default Port:
- Port 80 is the default port for HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), the foundation of data communication on the World Wide Web. Web browsers use this port to access web pages. Understanding this fundamental concept is crucial for anyone navigating the landscape of web servers and networking.
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8080 as Tomcat's Default Port:
- Apache Tomcat, a widely used application server for Java servlets and JSP (JavaServer Pages), utilizes port 8080 as its default. This is a deliberate choice to prevent interference with other web servers that might be running on the standard HTTP port (80). Tomcat's default port can be changed, but the use of 8080 out of the box showcases a thoughtful design to avoid conflicts.
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Changing Tomcat's Port to 80:
- The passage mentions the option of changing Tomcat's port to 80, a common practice when Tomcat is intended to serve as the primary web server. By doing so, visitors to the website hosted on Tomcat won't need to specify the port explicitly in the URL. This reflects a strategic decision in server configuration to enhance user experience and simplify web addresses.
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Fronting Tomcat with IIS or Apache:
- The article introduces the scenario of using IIS (Internet Information Services) or Apache as a front-end for Tomcat. In such configurations, the external web server (IIS or Apache) listens on the default HTTP port 80, handling initial requests and potentially acting as a reverse proxy to forward requests to the Tomcat server running on a different port, such as 8080.
In essence, the passage underscores the importance of port selection in the context of web servers, demonstrating a keen understanding of how default ports, like 80 and 8080, play crucial roles in ensuring seamless communication between clients and servers. The ability to navigate these configurations is essential for web developers, administrators, and anyone involved in the deployment of web applications.
