Java developers constantly seek the right tools to build, test, and deploy applications quickly. Selecting the proper application server plays a major role in how well a team meets its goals.
WildFly stands out as a popular choice for teams that want a fast, lightweight, modular application server.
Read on to learn more about the core features of WildFly, how it compares to JBoss and GlassFish, and how you can speed up your workflow by using WildFly with JRebel.
For expert guidance and support, reach out to DragonSoft, an authorized Perforce partner.
What Is WildFly?
WildFly is a fully featured Java application server that provides the necessary environment to run Java web applications. Red Hat maintains the project, focusing on aggressive memory control and fast startup times. Because it uses JBoss Modules, it provides true application isolation and links only the specific JAR files your application needs.
Who Uses WildFly?
According to the 2025 Java Developer Productivity Report, 14% of respondents said they are using JBoss or WildFly as their application server. While 86% reported using Tomcat, WildFly was in equal company with application servers like Jetty (16%), WebLogic (9%), and WebSphere (8%). Interestingly, 14% of respondents reported they don't use an application server.
Common Use Cases for WildFly
Developers choose WildFly for a variety of reasons. It handles everything from traditional web applications to modern, distributed architectures. Additionally, WildFly has full Jakarta EE support, making it an excellent choice for enterprise Java applications.
Key use cases include:
• Running robust Java applications
• Building microservices that need a small memory footprint
• Scaling applications quickly due to its instant start times and stateless administration console
• Building Jakarta EE enterprise applications
Available Versions of WildFly
The community actively updates WildFly to support the latest Java standards. For instance, the WildFly 40 Beta 1 release offers deep integration with Jakarta EE 11 and Eclipse MicroProfile, giving developers the tools they need to stay current.
Is WildFly Open Source?
Yes, WildFly is completely open source. It is free for both development and production deployments. While it operates as a free community project, it still receives backing from Red Hat. If your team needs robust commercial support for WildFly, consider OpenLogic.
Comparing WildFly vs. JBoss
It's easy to confuse WildFly and JBoss because they share a common history. In 2012, Red Hat rebranded the open source community version of JBoss AS to WildFly.
The name JBoss now typically refers to JBoss Enterprise Application Platform (EAP). While JBoss EAP builds upon the WildFly source code, the two are not identical. The main differentiators are price, speed of updates, and support.
Comparing WildFly vs. GlassFish
GlassFish is another fully featured, open source application server for Java EE. Sun Microsystems originally sponsored it before Oracle acquired the project. Today, the Eclipse Foundation maintains the GlassFish code base.
For most modern development teams, WildFly wins out due to its speed, efficiency, and active community.
Develop Java Applications Faster With JRebel + WildFly
No matter which application server you choose, waiting for applications to redeploy breaks developer flow. Even with fast startup times for WildFly, those disruptions can hamper Java development productivity.
Fortunately, you can eliminate these frustrating delays by pairing WildFly with JRebel to eliminate redeploys, allowing you to see code changes in your application server instantly.
Final Thoughts
Choosing WildFly gives you a fast, modular, and standard-compliant foundation for your Java applications. When you compare it to alternatives like JBoss EAP and GlassFish, WildFly strikes a perfect balance between cutting-edge features and lightweight performance.
To maximize your efficiency, pair WildFly with tools like JRebel that compound that performance. Skip the rebuilds, keep your flow state intact, and deliver better software, faster.
DragonSoft Support
Whether you are evaluating WildFly as your application server or looking to introduce JRebel to break through development bottlenecks, DragonSoft, Perforce authorized partner, provides comprehensive, end-to-end solutions.
We offer official JRebel licensing, along with localized deployment, technical support, and tailored training, ensuring your team can maximize the full potential of the WildFly + JRebel solution.
Contact us today to claim your free JRebel trial and discover the latest updates on Java development tools!
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