WildFly (formerly JBoss Application Server) is an open-source Java application server used to build, deploy, and manage enterprise-level applications. It implements Jakarta EE standards and provides essential services required for large-scale, production-ready Java systems.

Why Use WildFly:

• Open-source and enterprise ready
• Active community support
• Cloud and container friendly
• Supports latest Jakarta EE standards

Prerequisites:

Before installing WildFly, ensure the following components are installed:

• Java Development Kit (JDK): Recommended → JDK 17 or higher (JDK 11 still works for some versions).
• Apache Maven: Required if you plan to build and deploy applications using Maven.

Step-By-Step: Install and Set Up WildFly Server

Step 1: Download WildFly

• Visit the official WildFly website.
• Download the latest stable release (check website versions now go beyond 35+).
• Extract the ZIP file to a directory such as: C:\wildfly-XX.X.X.Final

This directory is referred to as: WILDFLY_HOME

Step 2: Set Up Environment Variables

Setting up environment variables will simplify access to WildFly from any terminal.

1. Windows:

• Go to "System Properties" > "Advanced System Settings" > "Environment Variables."
• Add a new system variable:
  • Variable Name: WILDFLY_HOME
  • Variable Value: Path to WildFly installation directory (e.g., C:\wildfly-28.0.0.Final)
• Edit the Path variable and append %WILDFLY_HOME%\bin.

2. Linux/macOS:

Open a terminal and add the following lines to your .bashrc or .bash_profile file:

export WILDFLY_HOME=/path/to/wildfly-28.0.0.Final
export PATH=$PATH:$WILDFLY_HOME/bin

Apply the changes by running source ~/.bashrc.

Step 3: Start WildFly Server

• Open command prompt and navigate to $WILDFLY_HOME/bin.
• Run the following command to start the server:

./standalone.sh

For Windows, use:

standalone.bat

• The server will start, and logs will appear. WildFly runs on the following default ports:
  • App → 8080
  • Management Console → 9990

Step 4: Access WildFly Management Console

• Open a browser and go to http://localhost:9990.
• If this is the first time accessing the console, create a management user by running:

./add-user.sh

Use add-user.bat on Windows.

• Follow the prompts to create an admin user.

Step 5: Configure WildFly for Maven Integration

WildFly can be integrated with Maven to deploy Java EE applications. This step configures Maven with WildFly’s deployment features.

• Add WildFly Plugin to Maven Project: In your Maven pom.xml file, add the WildFly plugin:

<build>
  <plugins>
    <plugin>
      <groupId>org.wildfly.plugins</groupId>
      <artifactId>wildfly-maven-plugin</artifactId>
      <version>3.0.0.Final</version>
    </plugin>
  </plugins>
</build>

• Deploy an Application Using Maven: To deploy a Java EE application to WildFly, use the following Maven command:

mvn wildfly:deploy

Ensure that your application is packaged as a WAR file in the target directory of your Maven project.

Step 6: Deploy Application

• Open the WildFly management console at http://localhost:9990.
• Click on the "Deployments" tab and choose "Add" to upload a WAR file.
• Select your WAR file and click "Next" to complete the deployment.

Alternatively, you can deploy your application using Maven, as described in the previous step.

Step 7: Common WildFly Configurations

• Change Default HTTP Port: If you need to run WildFly on a different port, modify the standalone.xml file located in $WILDFLY_HOME/standalone/configuration/. Look for the following section and update the port:

<socket-binding name="http" port="8080"/>

• Database Integration: To connect WildFly to a database like MySQL or PostgreSQL, you can configure data sources via the management console:
• Go to: Configuration > Subsystems > Datasources to add a new data source.
• Add:
  • MySQL
  • PostgreSQL
  • Oracle
  • Others