Sometimes, we need to find the Tomcat version installed on the machine. version.sh or version.bat in the bin folder of the Tomcat directory provides information about the Tomcat and Java versions installed.
- version.sh is for Linux and Unix OS.
- version.bat is for Windows.
In this tutorial, we will explore different methods to check the installed Tomcat version.
Checking the Tomcat Version in Windows
First, navigate to the Tomcat installation directory.
In my system, it is located in the B:\apache-tomcat-9.0.35
folder. Proceed to the bin
folder.
Run version.bat
in the command line on Windows. For Linux machines, use version.sh
.
Finding the Tomcat Version in Linux/Unix ?
First, check the version.sh
file located in the bin folder of the Tomcat directory on UNIX and Linux machines.
Use the find command to locate the version.sh
file.
Output
Another way is to check process information using the ps command.
Use the ps command to find Tomcat process information.
This provides the process ID and the path of the Tomcat installation location.
Checking Tomcat Running Version using the lib Folder
-
Navigate to the Tomcat root folder.
-
Go to the lib folder.
-
Run the following Java command:
java -cp catalina.jar org.apache.catalina.util.ServerInfo
Checking the Tomcat Version in a JSP File
The application scope object contains server information.
In server.jsp:
outputs:
Tomcat Version Check using Release Notes
Every Tomcat version contains a RELEASE-NOTES
file. You can find the file and check the version.
Using the command line, navigate to the Tomcat root directory.
In Windows:
In Linux, you can use the below command.
You can find Tomcat and java version running on Linux either by executing the org.apache.catalina.util.ServerInfo class from catalina.jar or by executing version.sh shell script. The first solution will work on any operating system including Windows and UNIX because it’s using a Java class from a catalina.jar file, which is platform-independent. Though, if you don’t know how to run a class from the JAR file, you can check the steps here. Alternatively, you also have a version.bat file inside tomcat/bin directory to check the version of Tomcat in Windows.
When you run this script in Linux or Windows it prints information about tomcat version, the java version used to run tomcat, Server built to date, OS name, OS Version, architecture, JVM version, and JVM vendor, etc.
Behind the scene, this batch file is also running the ServerInfo class from catalina.jar but it set the necessary PATH and Classpath variable for you. It’s much convenient to run either version.sh in Linux or version.bat in Windows to get the Tomcat version.
2 ways to find Apache Tomcat version in UNIX and Windows
As discussed in the last paragraph, we need to run the ServerInfo class from catalinar.jar to get the Tomcat version and other meta-data. Let’s see examples of using these two ways to find tomcat and java version running tomcat in Windows first, followed by Linux and UNIX.
Solution 1 (Running ServerInfo class) :
a) go to tomcat installation directory and run following command :
$ java -cp lib/catalina.jar org.apache.catalina.util.ServerInfo
Here is how you get tomcat version in Windows :
C:\Program Files\Apache Software Foundation\Apache Tomcat 7.0.41>java -cp lib/catalina.jar org.apache.catalina.util.ServerInfo
Server version: Apache Tomcat/7.0.41
Server built: Jun 6 2013 11:16:08
Server number: 7.0.41.0
OS Name: Windows 8
OS Version: 6.2
Architecture: amd64
JVM Version: 1.7.0_51-b13
JVM Vendor: Oracle Corporation
By the way, If you don’t have catalina.jar in your tomcat/lib folder then you may get :
Exception in thread «main» java.lang.NoClassDefFoundError: org/apache/catalina/util/ServerInfo
Caused by: java.lang.ClassNotFoundException: org.apache.catalina.util.ServerInfo
at java.net.URLClassLoader$1.run(URLClassLoader.java:200)
at java.security.AccessController.doPrivileged(Native Method)
at java.net.URLClassLoader.findClass(URLClassLoader.java:188)
at java.lang.ClassLoader.loadClass(ClassLoader.java:306)
at sun.misc.Launcher$AppClassLoader.loadClass(Launcher.java:276)
at java.lang.ClassLoader.loadClass(ClassLoader.java:251)
at java.lang.ClassLoader.loadClassInternal(ClassLoader.java:319)
In that case, just check if version.sh or vesion.bat is present in tomcat/bin directory as suggested in our second solution. But, if you are getting this error even if you have catalina.jar in the tomcat/lib folder, please check out some of the steps given in my article 3 ways to solve NoClassDefFoundError in Java to troubleshoot further.
Solution 2 (using version.sh or version.bat) :
1) Go to tomcat/bin directory
2) Execute version.sh in Linux or version.bat in Windows
C:\Program Files\Apache Software Foundation\Apache Tomcat 7.0.41\bin>version.bat
Using CATALINA_BASE: «C:\Program Files\Apache Software Foundation\Apache Tomcat 7.0.41»
Using CATALINA_HOME: «C:\Program Files\Apache Software Foundation\Apache Tomcat 7.0.41»
Using CATALINA_TMPDIR: «C:\Program Files\Apache Software Foundation\Apache Tomcat 7.0.41\temp»
Using JRE_HOME: «C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_51»
Using CLASSPATH: «C:\Program Files\Apache Software Foundation\Apache Tomcat 7.0.41\bin\bootstrap.jar;C:\Program Files\Apache Soft
ware Foundation\Apache Tomcat 7.0.41\bin\tomcat-juli.jar»
Server version: Apache Tomcat/7.0.41
Server built: Jun 6 2013 11:16:08
Server number: 7.0.41.0
OS Name: Windows 8
OS Version: 6.2
Architecture: amd64
JVM Version: 1.7.0_51-b13
JVM Vendor: Oracle Corporation
It’s important to define either JAVA_HOME or JRE_HOME to run version.bat, otherwise, you will get following error :
C:\Program Files\Apache Software Foundation\Apache Tomcat 7.0.41\bin>version.bat
Neither the JAVA_HOME nor the JRE_HOME environment variable is defined
At least one of these environment variables is needed to run this program
The «Server version» field is the Tomcat version running on that machine. version.sh also prints additional information related to JVM and JRE version used to run tomcat in Linux or Windows.
If you are developing Java application in Tomcat, you can also learn more about Tomcat by reading Developing Java application in Tomcat, Eclipse Mars, and MySQL.
That’s all about how to find Tomcat version in Linux and Windows. By using version.sh, you can also find the Java version used to run tomcat. If you want to use a platform independent approach then just run ServerInfo class from catalina.jar, which you can find inside tomcat/lib directory. If you don’t have that JAR in lib directory then check for version.sh or version.bat file in tomcat/bin directory, running them will give you all the information you want about your tomcat installation.
References
Apache Tomcat Official Website
Other Apache Tomcat tutorials and Guides you may like:
- How to configure HTTPS in Tomcat 6 and 7? (tutorial)
- How to setup JNDI database connection pool in Tomcat? (guide)
- Difference between a Web server, Application server and Servlet container? (answer)
- How to fix java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: PermGen space in Tomcat (guide)
- How to fix java.net.BindException: Cannot assign requested address: JVM_Bind in Tomcat (fix)
- How to fix java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: java heap space in Tomcat (tutorial)
- How to fix ThreadLocal memory leak in Tomcat? (solution)
- How to fix java.net.SocketException: Too many open files in Tomcat? (tutorial)
- How to fix java.net.BindException: Address already in use: JVM_Bind:8080 (solution)
- Why you shouldn’t call System.exit() in Tomcat? (article)
To check your Tomcat version, open the command line and enter “tomcat -v” (Windows) or “/usr/share/tomcat/bin/version.sh” (Mac/Linux). This will display the installed Tomcat version. Alternatively, you can check the Tomcat configuration file (server.xml) for the “version” attribute. If you’re using a web interface, navigate to “http://localhost:8080/manager/html” and click the “Tomcat Version” link.
Unveiling the Essence of Tomcat Version Verification
In the realm of web technologies, Tomcat stands tall as a pivotal component, enabling seamless execution and management of countless web applications. As a steadfast server, Tomcat empowers developers with an array of features, including:
- Exceptional performance: Optimized to handle high volumes of requests with lightning-fast response times.
- Unwavering stability: Designed to withstand demanding workloads and ensure uninterrupted service.
- Robust security: Equipped with advanced security measures to safeguard sensitive data and prevent malicious attacks.
Understanding your Tomcat version is crucial for maintaining a healthy and secure web environment. Regular version checks allow you to stay abreast of the latest enhancements, security patches, and bug fixes. By keeping your Tomcat up to date, you can ensure optimal performance, mitigate vulnerabilities, and enhance overall application functionality.
Checking Tomcat Version Using Command Line: A Comprehensive Guide
In the realm of web development, Tomcat reigns supreme as an indispensable Java servlet container. It is a robust and open-source solution that forms the foundation of numerous web applications. Maintaining the latest version of Tomcat is crucial for seamless operation, security, and compatibility. By checking your Tomcat version regularly, you can ensure optimal performance and safeguard your web applications from potential vulnerabilities.
Methods for Accessing the Command Line
The command line is your gateway to checking your Tomcat version. Depending on your operating system, several methods are available to access it.
- Windows: Press the Windows key, type “cmd,” and hit Enter.
- MacOS: Open Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
- Linux: Open a terminal window (e.g., bash, zsh) from the desktop or command prompt.
Essential Commands for Checking Tomcat Version
Once you have access to the command line, you can employ the following commands to determine your Tomcat version:
catalina.sh version
(Linux/MacOS)catalina.bat version
(Windows)
These commands display the Tomcat version, along with other relevant information such as the build date and JVM version.
Understanding the Command Syntax and Result Interpretation
The command syntax is straightforward:
catalina.bat/sh
– The script that manages Tomcatversion
– The command to display the version information
The result is presented in a concise format, typically consisting of:
- Tomcat version: A numerical representation of the major and minor versions (e.g., Apache Tomcat/9.0.69)
- Build date: The date when the Tomcat build was created
- JVM version: The version of the Java Virtual Machine being used
By interpreting the results accurately, you can quickly ascertain whether you are running the latest Tomcat version. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions regarding updates and security measures.
Understanding the Command Line Interface and Operating System for Tomcat Version Checking
When it comes to managing Tomcat, a Java-based application server, it’s crucial to know how to check its version. This information is essential for maintenance, security purposes, and ensuring compatibility with deployed applications.
Command Line Interface (CLI)
The CLI provides a text-based interface to interact with your operating system and applications like Tomcat. It offers a direct and efficient way to execute commands and retrieve information. To access the CLI, use the Terminal (macOS/Linux) or Command Prompt (Windows) applications.
Operating System
The operating system (OS) plays a role in Tomcat’s installation and configuration. Different OSes have specific ways of setting environment variables, storing configuration files, and managing applications. Understanding your OS’s characteristics is important for successful Tomcat management.
Benefits of Using the CLI for Tomcat Version Checking
- Direct and Efficient: Execute commands quickly and retrieve information directly from the system.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: CLI commands work consistently across different operating systems, ensuring a consistent experience.
- Automation: Create scripts to automate version checking and other tasks, saving time and effort.
- Troubleshooting: Quickly diagnose and resolve issues related to Tomcat’s version or configuration by inspecting system logs and running diagnostic commands.
Environment Variables: Unlocking the Secrets of Tomcat
In the realm of software development, understanding environment variables is akin to having a secret decoder ring that unlocks the hidden secrets of your system. For those seeking to uncover the version of their Tomcat server, these variables hold the key.
Tomcat, a widely-used Java application server, relies on environment variables to pinpoint its installation location. These variables serve as breadcrumbs, guiding your system through the intricate web of file directories to find where Tomcat has made its home.
Setting and Verifying Environment Variables
To set and verify environment variables, embark on a journey through the depths of your system’s command line interface (CLI). Here, you’ll wield commands such as “set” or “export” to define and modify these variables.
Key Environment Variables for Tomcat
Among the plethora of environment variables, three stand out as pivotal for Tomcat:
- PATH: Maps the path to executable files, ensuring your system knows where to find the Tomcat executable.
- JAVA_HOME: Points to the directory housing your Java installation, a vital dependency for Tomcat.
- CATALINA_HOME: Reveals the innermost sanctum of Tomcat, where its configuration files and other essential components reside.
Harnessing the Power of Environment Variables
Once these environment variables are correctly set, you’ve laid the groundwork for effortlessly uncovering Tomcat’s version. Simply navigate to the CLI and type the “catalina.sh version” command. Voila! Tomcat’s version number will be presented in all its glory.
By understanding and leveraging environment variables, you’ve gained a valuable tool in your Tomcat management arsenal. Regularly checking the version ensures you’re running the latest and greatest, safeguarding your system from potential security vulnerabilities.
Understanding PATH, JAVA_HOME, and CATALINA_HOME: Essential Environment Variables for Tomcat
Tomcat, a widely used Java application server, relies heavily on environment variables to locate its installation and configuration. Among these variables, PATH, JAVA_HOME, and CATALINA_HOME play crucial roles in ensuring Tomcat’s smooth operation.
PATH is a system-wide environment variable that specifies the directories where the operating system searches for executable programs. When you type a command like catalina
, the operating system looks for it in the directories specified in the PATH variable. To check the value of PATH, use the echo $PATH
command.
JAVA_HOME is an environment variable that points to the installation directory of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) or Java Development Kit (JDK) used by Tomcat. It ensures that Tomcat has access to the necessary Java libraries and tools. To set JAVA_HOME, use the command export JAVA_HOME=/path/to/java/installation
.
CATALINA_HOME is a variable specific to Tomcat. It points to the root directory of the Tomcat installation. This variable is essential for locating Tomcat’s configuration files and other resources. To set CATALINA_HOME, use the command export CATALINA_HOME=/path/to/tomcat/installation
.
These environment variables are often set during Tomcat installation or can be customized as needed. Ensuring that these variables are set correctly is crucial for Tomcat to function properly. Regularly checking and verifying their values can help prevent errors and ensure optimal performance.
Configuration Files
- Overview of Tomcat configuration files (e.g., server.xml, web.xml)
- Locating and understanding these files
- Verifying Tomcat version information within configuration files
Configuration Files: Unlocking the Secrets of Tomcat’s Version
Tomcat, a pivotal web server, relies on configuration files to orchestrate its operation. These files, often hiding in plain sight, hold the key to unlocking Tomcat’s version information.
Locating the Guiding Light
To embark on this journey of discovery, we must first locate these configuration files. By default, server.xml sits in Tomcat’s conf directory, acting as the maestro of Tomcat’s behavior. Meanwhile, web.xml resides in each web application’s directory, shaping the individual applications’ dynamics.
Deciphering the Configuration Labyrinth
With the configuration files in our grasp, we embark on a quest to unravel their content. Open them in your preferred text editor and brace yourself for a detailed account of Tomcat’s inner workings. Within the server.xml document, you’ll find an element that governs Tomcat’s overall behavior. This is where you’ll find the attribute, proudly displaying Tomcat’s version.
Extracting the Version Jewel
In the vast ocean of configuration, the version attribute is our prized treasure. It encapsulates the exact version of Tomcat you’re running, providing crucial information for maintenance and security updates. Understanding this version number empowers you to stay up-to-date with the latest patches and advancements.
By delving into Tomcat’s configuration files, we’ve unearthed a treasure trove of knowledge about its version. This information empowers us to maintain a secure and up-to-date web server, ensuring optimal performance and resilience. Remember, regular checks are essential to keep your Tomcat humming along at the cutting edge of technology.
Exploring the Structure and Functions of server.xml and web.xml
As we delve deeper into the world of Tomcat, two pivotal configuration files emerge: server.xml and web.xml. These files serve as the blueprints for Tomcat’s behavior, defining its core operations and web application configurations.
server.xml: The Helm of Tomcat
At the heart of Tomcat’s functionality lies server.xml. This file is the central configuration hub, governing various aspects of the server’s operation, including:
- Connector Configuration: It defines the ports and protocols Tomcat listens on, ensuring smooth communication with clients.
- Host and Context Configuration: These elements set up the virtual hosts and applications that Tomcat serves, providing a structured foundation for web content delivery.
- Logging and Monitoring: server.xml controls the logging settings, determining how Tomcat records and reports its activities for analysis and troubleshooting.
web.xml: Tailoring Web Applications
web.xml complements server.xml by focusing on the configuration of individual web applications. It provides the following customization options:
- Servlet Declarations: Here, you define the servlets that handle incoming HTTP requests, specifying their behavior and mapping them to specific URLs.
- Filter Declarations: Filters can be configured to perform tasks such as authentication, caching, and content compression before requests reach servlets.
- Listener Declarations: Listeners are event-driven components that allow developers to respond to specific events in the web application lifecycle.
Synergy in Configuration
server.xml and web.xml work in harmony to orchestrate Tomcat’s operation. By understanding their structure and functions, you gain the power to fine-tune Tomcat for optimal performance, security, and flexibility. Regular review of these configuration files ensures that your web applications run smoothly, delivering a seamless user experience and safeguarding your data.
Checking Tomcat Version Through the Web Interface
Checking your Tomcat version is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and security. Besides command-line and configuration file methods, you can also conveniently use the Tomcat Manager web interface to retrieve this information.
To access the Tomcat Manager, open your web browser and navigate to http://localhost:8080/manager/html
. You’ll be prompted to enter a username and password, which default to “tomcat-user” and “s3cret” respectively.
Once logged in, you’ll see the Tomcat Manager’s dashboard. On the left-hand side, you’ll find a navigation menu. Click on Server Status under Monitoring. This page will provide you with various server information, including the Tomcat version.
The Tomcat Manager web interface offers additional functionality beyond version checking. You can monitor server status, manage applications, view active threads, and perform other administrative tasks. It’s a valuable tool for system administrators and developers alike.
Benefits of Using the Web Interface:
- Convenience: Easily check the Tomcat version and other server information from a web browser.
- User-friendly: The web interface presents information in a clear and organized manner.
- Comprehensive: Provides access to a wide range of server management options.
Regularly checking your Tomcat version ensures that you’re running the latest and most secure version. The web interface provides a convenient and comprehensive way to do so, making it an essential tool for maintaining and managing your Tomcat server effectively.
Related Concepts: Tomcat Manager and Administration Console
If you’re working with Tomcat, you may encounter the terms Tomcat Manager and Administration Console. These tools are essential for managing and monitoring your Tomcat server. Let’s explore their purpose and usage.
Tomcat Manager
The Tomcat Manager is a web-based application that allows you to perform various administrative tasks on your Tomcat server. It provides a user-friendly interface for managing web applications, monitoring server status, and performing configuration changes.
To access the Tomcat Manager, open a web browser and navigate to:
http://[hostname or IP address of server]:8080/manager/html
You will need to enter your username and password to log in. Once logged in, you will have access to a range of features, including:
- Deploying and undeploying web applications
- Starting and stopping web applications
- Monitoring server performance
- Managing user accounts
Administration Console
The Administration Console is a command-line tool that provides an alternative way to manage your Tomcat server. It offers a more advanced level of control compared to the Tomcat Manager.
To access the Administration Console, open a command prompt or terminal window and navigate to the ${CATALINA_HOME}/bin
directory. Then, run the following command:
./catalina.sh console
Once the console is launched, you will be prompted for a username and password. Once logged in, you will have access to a range of commands, including:
- Starting, stopping, and restarting the server
- Managing web applications (similar to the Tomcat Manager)
- Modifying server configuration settings
- Troubleshooting and debugging issues
Both the Tomcat Manager and Administration Console are powerful tools for managing and monitoring your Tomcat server. The Tomcat Manager provides a user-friendly web interface, while the Administration Console offers a more advanced command-line interface. Choose the tool that best suits your needs and preferences for effective Tomcat server management.
To find out the Tomcat version, we need to find the file – version.sh (unix) or version.bat (windows). The file is usually found in the Tomcat bin folder.
To find the version.sh file:
sudo find / -name «version.sh»
Find out everything about Tomcat (where name = server name):
sudo find / -name «apache-tomcat8»
Tomat version as seen in folder name
If you want to know which version of Tomcat that has been installed on your system or on the server you can do so by going to the tomcat directory. If you extract the setup zip file it by default has the version name as the folder name example: apache-tomcat-8.5.60, but if it was renamed then you can try the below,
- Locate tomcat directory,
- Go to /bin and open CMD in this location,
- Type version.bat (if on Windows or version.sh for Linux/Mac), you should see the version details displayed on the console,
D:\setup\apache-tomcat-8.5.60\bin>version.bat Using CATALINA_BASE: "D:\setup\apache-tomcat-8.5.60" Using CATALINA_HOME: "D:\setup\apache-tomcat-8.5.60" Using CATALINA_TMPDIR: "D:\setup\apache-tomcat-8.5.60\temp" Using JRE_HOME: "C:\Program Files\Android\Android Studio\jre\jre" Using CLASSPATH: "D:\setup\apache-tomcat-8.5.60\bin\bootstrap.jar; D:\setup\apache-tomcat-8.5.60\bin\tomcat-juli.jar" Using CATALINA_OPTS: "" Server version: Apache Tomcat/8.5.60 Server built: Nov 12 2020 17:31:55 UTC Server number: 8.5.60.0 OS Name: Windows 10 OS Version: 10.0 Architecture: amd64 JVM Version: 1.8.0_242-release-1644-b01 JVM Vendor: JetBrains s.r.o D:\setup\apache-tomcat-8.5.60\bin>
As you can see Tomcat is installed in D:\setup\apache-tomcat-8.5.60 and the version is Apache Tomcat/8.5.60
⚡️ If you are using macOS or Linux you follow the same steps just instead of version.bat you run ./version.sh from the Terminal.
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