Java servlet container history: Which servlet processor (container) was jointly developed by the Apache Software Foundation with significant collaboration from Sun, and is widely used to host servlets and JSPs?

Introduction / Context:
To run servlets and JavaServer Pages (JSPs), you need a compliant servlet container. Historically, Apache and Sun collaborated to provide a reference implementation that evolved into a production-grade, open-source project widely adopted across the industry.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers to a servlet processor/container used for servlets and JSP.
• Apache and Sun collaborated early on a reference implementation.
• We must choose the product name matching that effort.

Concept / Approach:

Apache Tomcat is an open-source servlet container developed by the Apache Software Foundation, with significant early contributions from Sun Microsystems. Tomcat implements the Jakarta Servlet and JSP specifications, providing HTTP handling, servlet lifecycle management, and JSP compilation to servlets.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Documentation and historical notes show Tomcat’s lineage as a reference/production implementation tied to the servlet/JSP specs, unlike the generic Apache HTTP Server (a web server, not a servlet container by itself).

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Apache Web server: serves HTTP but is not a servlet container without modules/bridges.

Sun servlet processor: not the common product name; Tomcat is the recognized container.

None of the above: incorrect because Tomcat fits precisely.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing a general web server with a servlet container; assuming any web server can execute servlets directly without a Java container.

Final Answer:

Apache Tomcat