How to Install GlassFish with Docker (Step-by-Step Guide)

Introduction

Running application servers manually can be time-consuming and difficult to maintain, especially when dealing with dependencies and environment consistency. This is where Docker becomes a game-changer.

By using Docker, you can deploy GlassFish in a lightweight, portable container without worrying about manual installation or configuration issues. This approach is ideal for developers, DevOps engineers, and teams working with microservices or CI/CD pipelines.

In this guide, you will learn how to install and run GlassFish using Docker, including basic configuration and deployment.

What is GlassFish?

GlassFish is an open-source Jakarta EE application server used to build and deploy enterprise Java applications. It supports technologies such as Servlets, JSP, CDI, JPA, and more.

Why Use Docker for GlassFish?

Using Docker provides several advantages:

• Fast and consistent deployment
• No dependency conflicts
• Easy scaling and portability
• Simplified environment management
• Ideal for CI/CD pipelines

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure your system has:

• Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (or any Linux distro)
• Docker installed
• Basic knowledge of terminal commands
• Internet connection

If Docker is not installed, refer to your Docker installation guide on bckinfo.com.

Step 1: Pull the GlassFish Docker Image

Start by pulling the official GlassFish image from Docker Hub.

docker pull eclipse/glassfish:7.0.12

You can replace the version tag with the latest available version.

Step 2: Run GlassFish Container

Run a container with exposed ports for web access and admin console.

docker run -d \
  --name glassfish-server \
  -p 8080:8080 \
  -p 4848:4848 \
  eclipse/glassfish:7.0.12

Explanation:

• -d → Run container in background
• --name → Assign container name
• -p 8080:8080 → Web application port
• -p 4848:4848 → Admin console port

Step 3: Verify Container Status

Check if the container is running:

docker ps

If everything is correct, you will see the GlassFish container in the list.

Step 4: Access GlassFish

Open your browser and access:

• Application URL:
  http://localhost:8080
• Admin Console:
  http://localhost:4848

You should see the GlassFish welcome page and admin dashboard.

Step 5: View Logs

To check container logs:

docker logs -f glassfish-server

This is useful for troubleshooting startup or deployment issues.

Step 6: Deploy a WAR File

You can deploy applications in multiple ways.

Option 1: Copy WAR into Container

docker cp myapp.war glassfish-server:/opt/glassfish7/glassfish/domains/domain1/autodeploy/

GlassFish will automatically deploy the application.

Option 2: Use Admin CLI

docker exec -it glassfish-server /bin/bash
cd /opt/glassfish7/bin
./asadmin deploy /path/to/app.war

Step 7: Stop and Remove Container

Stop the container:

docker stop glassfish-server

Remove the container:

docker rm glassfish-server

Using Docker Compose (Recommended)

For easier management, use Docker Compose.

Create a file named docker-compose.yml:

version: '3.8'

services:
  glassfish:
    image: eclipse/glassfish:7.0.12
    container_name: glassfish-server
    ports:
      - "8080:8080"
      - "4848:4848"
    restart: unless-stopped

Start the service:

docker-compose up -d

Stop the service:

docker-compose down

Persistent Data Configuration

To persist data, mount a volume:

docker run -d \
  --name glassfish-server \
  -p 8080:8080 \
  -p 4848:4848 \
  -v glassfish-data:/opt/glassfish7/glassfish/domains \
  eclipse/glassfish:7.0.12

This ensures your configurations and deployments are not lost.

Best Practices

• Use specific image versions (avoid latest)
• Enable secure admin for production
• Use volumes for persistence
• Monitor logs regularly
• Integrate with reverse proxy (Nginx)

Troubleshooting

Container not starting?
Check logs:

docker logs glassfish-server

Port already in use?
Change mapping:

-p 9090:8080

Application not deploying?
Ensure WAR file is valid and placed in correct directory.

Conclusion

Running GlassFish with Docker simplifies deployment and eliminates many traditional setup challenges. With just a few commands, you can launch a fully functional Jakarta EE application server ready for development or production.

This approach is ideal for modern DevOps workflows, making your applications more portable, scalable, and easier to manage.

FAQ

Can I use GlassFish in Docker for production?
Yes, but ensure proper security, backups, and monitoring are configured.

What ports does GlassFish use in Docker?
Default ports are 8080 (application) and 4848 (admin console).

How do I persist data in Docker?
Use Docker volumes to store GlassFish domain data.

Is Docker better than manual installation?
For most use cases, yes—Docker is faster, consistent, and easier to manage.