Chapter 7, "Configuration," explains the Tomcat configuration files; server.xml, web.xml, tomcat-users.xml and context.xml. Each of these can be modified to control how Tomcat works. Chapter 8, "Debugging and Troubleshooting," describes what can be done to diagnose problems. Here you will learn about what to look for in the log files, how the web browser interacts with Tomcat, and how to get specific, detailed information about a particular request.

Chapter 9, "Building Tomcat from Source," shows you how to compile your own version of Tomcat. Here you are shown step-by-step how to install the Apache Ant build tool and build your own Tomcat. Chapter 10, "Tomcat Clustering," explains how you can run multiple Tomcat servers. This may mean you have too much traffic than one Tomcat can handle or you can't afford for your Tomcat to go down. Chapter 11, "Final Words," finishes up with some words on Tomcat's open source project's community resources. This includes books, sites, and more.

Tomcat: The Definitive Guide is very well written, concise, and to the point. It does not try to cover everything about Tomcat and therefore does not dilute what it does cover. It focuses on administration, not development and as such, is for administrators.

Along with covering installation well, Tomcat: The Definitive Guide also covers security and performance in good detail. When it tells you what you need to do, it follows up by showing you how to confirm that it is done correctly; it doesn't just assume that it was done it now will work as many books do. The only downside is that the author is Linux centered. It would be nice to be more neutral throughout the book.

If you need to run Tomcat, then Tomcat: The Definitive Guide is a must-have. It will keep you out of trouble and have your Tomcat server running smoothly long into the future.