Java EE 7 with Oracle WebLogic Server 12.2.1 on Java 8u60 -- A Smoke Test Java EE 7 Server Smoke Of: Oracle WebLogic Server 12.2.1

Server Under Test: Oracle WebLogic Server 12.2.1 on Java 8u60

Version used: Quick Installer for Mac OSX, Windows and Linux (211 MB)

1. Download: http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/middleware/weblogic/downloads/wls-main-097127.html
2. Download size: 221 MB (fmw_12.2.1.0.0_wls_quick_Disk1_1of1.zip)
3. Installation: unzip fmw_12.2.1.0.0_wls_quick_Disk1_1of1.zip, then java -jar fmw_12.2.1.0.0_wls_quick.jar
4. HD size: 565 MB
5. Configuration: /fmw_12.2.1.0.0_wls_quick_Disk1_1of1/wls12210/wlserver/common/bin/config.sh
6. Start: fmw_12.2.1.0.0_wls_quick_Disk1_1of1/wls12210/user_projects/domains/base_domain/startWebLogic.sh
7. RAM consumption: < 60 Mb after deployment
8. Deployment duration: ~1-5 seconds
9. Startup time: ~3 seconds
10. Test: open browser, http://localhost:7001/server-smoke/, push the button 'Please don't smoke'
11. Admin console: http://localhost:7001/console. The admin console provides easily accessible monitoring / performance data out-of-the-box.

Overall impression: 565 MB installation size, but surprisingly fast startup, small RAM footprint, quick deployments and there was no smoke. However, the installation could be simplified by automatically creating a default domain (=chaining the scripts).

WebLogic's Java EE 7 support was one of the FAQs I was constantly asked. A good move from Oracle to finally support the Java EE 7 standard -- Java EE 7 support not only prevents an exodus of existing customers to the competition but makes WLS an interesting new option for production deployments.

Fast startup, fast deployments and small RAM consumption make WLS also an interesting development server. WLS is also nicely integrated with NetBeans.

Tested with: Server Smoke.