How to Install GlassFish on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you are working with Java enterprise applications, having a reliable application server is essential. GlassFish is a popular open-source application server that supports Jakarta EE (formerly Java EE) and is widely used for developing and deploying enterprise-grade applications.

In this guide, you will learn how to install GlassFish on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS step by step. This tutorial is beginner-friendly and suitable for developers, system administrators, and DevOps engineers.

What is GlassFish?

GlassFish is an open-source application server developed under the Eclipse Foundation. It provides a complete platform for deploying Java-based applications using Jakarta EE technologies. The introduction about GlassFish has been discussed on What is GlassFish article.

Key advantages of GlassFish:

• Full Jakarta EE support
• Lightweight and developer-friendly
• Built-in admin console
• Easy deployment of applications
• Open-source and extensible

Prerequisites

Before installing GlassFish, make sure your system meets the following requirements:

• Ubuntu 24.04 LTS server
• Root or sudo access
• Internet connection
• Minimum 2 GB RAM recommended

Step 1: Update System Packages

Start by updating your system to ensure all packages are up to date.

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install Java (OpenJDK)

GlassFish requires Java to run. Install OpenJDK (recommended version 11 or later).

sudo apt install openjdk-17-jdk -y

Verify the installation:

java -version

You should see output indicating Java 17 is installed.

Step 3: Download GlassFish

Go to the official GlassFish download page or use wget to download the latest version.

wget https://download.eclipse.org/ee4j/glassfish/glassfish-7.0.12.zip

Note: Replace the version if a newer release is available.

Step 4: Install Unzip Utility

If unzip is not installed, install it:

sudo apt install unzip -y

Step 5: Extract GlassFish

Extract the downloaded archive:

unzip glassfish-7.0.12.zip

Move it to /opt directory:

sudo mv glassfish7 /opt/glassfish

Step 6: Set Environment Variables

Set the GlassFish environment variables for easier management.

echo "export GLASSFISH_HOME=/opt/glassfish" >> ~/.bashrc
echo "export PATH=\$PATH:\$GLASSFISH_HOME/bin" >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc

Step 7: Start GlassFish Server

Navigate to the GlassFish bin directory and start the domain.

cd /opt/glassfish/bin
./asadmin start-domain

If successful, you will see a message indicating the domain has started.

Step 8: Access GlassFish Admin Console

Open your browser and access:

http://your-server-ip:4848

Default:

• Username: admin
• Password: (leave empty, unless configured)

You can now manage your server via the web interface.

Step 9: Enable Secure Admin (Optional but Recommended)

For security, enable secure admin and set a password.

./asadmin change-admin-password
./asadmin enable-secure-admin
./asadmin restart-domain

Step 10: Configure Firewall (Optional)

Allow GlassFish ports if you are using UFW:

sudo ufw allow 8080
sudo ufw allow 4848
sudo ufw reload

Step 11: Test GlassFish Installation

Access the default application page:

http://your-server-ip:8080

If you see the GlassFish welcome page, your installation is successful.

How to Deploy an Application

To deploy a WAR file:

./asadmin deploy /path/to/your-app.war

Or upload via the Admin Console.

Common Commands

Start server:

./asadmin start-domain

Stop server:

./asadmin stop-domain

Restart server:

./asadmin restart-domain

Best Practices

• Always use a secure admin password
• Keep GlassFish updated
• Use HTTPS for production
• Monitor logs in /opt/glassfish/domains/domain1/logs
• Backup configuration regularly

Troubleshooting Tips

GlassFish not starting?
Check logs:

cat /opt/glassfish/domains/domain1/logs/server.log

Port already in use?
Change port in configuration or stop conflicting services.

Permission issues?
Ensure correct ownership:

sudo chown -R $USER:$USER /opt/glassfish

Conclusion

Installing GlassFish on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is straightforward and provides a powerful platform for running Jakarta EE applications. With its robust features and ease of use, GlassFish remains a strong choice for developers and enterprises.

By following this guide, you now have a fully functional GlassFish server ready for deploying Java applications.

FAQ

What Java version is required for GlassFish?
GlassFish 7 typically requires Java 11 or newer (Java 17 recommended).

Is GlassFish production-ready?
Yes, GlassFish supports enterprise applications, but some prefer Payara for extended support.

Can I run GlassFish with Docker?
Yes, GlassFish can be deployed using Docker containers.

What port does GlassFish use?
Default ports are 8080 (HTTP) and 4848 (Admin Console).