Introduction to the Verj.io Server

The Verj.io Server is the runtime component of the Verj.io system. The server is a Java servlet application that can run under any J2EE application server, and on almost any OS platform including Windows, Linux, Unix, Mac and others. The system is distributed with the Apache Tomcat application server and this is recommended for all server instances unless your installation is already using an alternative application server.

The server is highly scalable and can be clustered to support high transaction volumes.

What is the server used for?

The server’s main functions are to:

Run Forms (web applications)
Run published REST web services
Run published SOAP web services (these are known as Integration Services)
Run the Workflow Engine to execute Workflow Processes
Run the background scheduler

When used for testing with the Verj.io Studio the server provides some more functions:

Testing Forms
Testing REST web services
Testing SOAP web services (Integration Services)
Testing Workflow Processes
Testing System Services
Importing database metadata (table/view layouts etc) to create Resources
Displaying the Execution Log (View > Execution Log from the menu at the top of the studio window)
Loading any web resource files in the Form Editor which are sourced from the server (all web resource files can optionally be configured to be loaded from the application server)

Server Types

There are two main types of server:

Embedded Test Server: this server is distributed with the Verj.io Studio and is the default server type for use with the studio. It’s a cut down instance of Apache Tomcat and is fully integrated with the studio. Mostly this server looks after itself and does not need to be manually started or stopped. It can be managed using the Manage Server icon in the top right hand corner of the studio window.

External Server: all other servers are “external” meaning that they are distinct processes that can be started and stopped. This is the only server type that can be used to run a production system. It can also be used for test systems or in conjunction with the Verj.io Studio as an alternative to the embedded server. When used with the studio, both the studio and server components must be configured to point to the same workspace.

The studio can be configured to use either server type and this choice is specified using the Test Server tab of Studio Preferences.