Last checked and updated on April 16, 2026What Is New in Apache Tomcat 3.3
Tomcat 3.3 is a maintenance release that stabilizes the platform with numerous fixes and key enhancements. The focus was on improving the core servlet and JSP engine rather than introducing major new features.
| Category | Key Changes |
|---|---|
| Bug Fixes | Numerous fixes across the servlet container, JSP compiler, and included examples. |
| Performance | Optimizations to the JSP compiler and the HTTP connection handler. |
| Compatibility | Support for the final JSP 1.1 and Servlet 2.2 specifications. |
| Examples | Updates and fixes to the included web application examples. |
How was the core servlet engine improved?
The HTTP connection handling received significant tuning for better performance and stability. This matters because it directly impacts how the server handles concurrent requests under load.
Fixes were made to the parameter parsing and request dispatching logic. In practice, this reduces edge-case errors when processing complex form submissions or request chains.
What changed for JSP developers?
The Jasper JSP compiler was updated to align with the final JSP 1.1 specification. This ensures compliance and eliminates discrepancies from earlier drafts.
Several bugs in the page compilation process were squashed, leading to more reliable execution of JSP pages. You'll encounter fewer cryptic compilation errors, especially with custom tag libraries.
Were the included web applications updated?
Yes, all the standard examples like the servlet and JSP examples were reviewed and corrected. This is useful for learning, as the code accurately reflects the correct API usage for Servlet 2.2.
The admin web application also saw fixes, making the provided management tools more dependable for basic server configuration tasks.
FAQ
Is Tomcat 3.3 a major feature release?
No, it's a maintenance release. The primary goal was bug fixing and stabilization on the path to the final Servlet 2.2 / JSP 1.1 implementations, not adding new functionality.
Does this release contain any security fixes?
The release notes do not highlight any specific security patches. The changes are predominantly bug fixes and performance improvements across the core components.
Should I upgrade from Tomcat 3.2.x?
Yes, if you are running an earlier 3.2.x version. The accumulation of fixes for the servlet container and JSP compiler makes the 3.3 branch more stable and reliable for production use.
Is there support for the latest Servlet API?
Tomcat 3.3 supports the Servlet 2.2 and JSP 1.1 specifications, which were the latest standards at the time of this release.
Were any features deprecated in this version?
The release notes do not indicate any new deprecations. The focus was entirely on fixing existing functionality.