Java Reference
In-Depth Information
Nowadays, n-tier Web application architecture is commonly used. In this architecture,
middleware or an application server is introduced to connect the Web server and the
database more efficiently. The performance of an n-tier application is improved because
Web servers, middleware and databases can be hosted by separate machines. Each tier can
be replicated for the purposes of load balancing. Security is also improved because data is
not stored on the Web or application server, which makes it harder for hackers to gain ac-
cess into the database where data is stored.
Figure 1-3
An n-tier web architecture
A web and an application servers are often run on the same machine; however, it is best
practice to run the database server on a separate machine. In a software development envir-
onment, all three servers can be hosted on a single machine. In this topic, a server is often
refered to a software application.
