Getting started to work on IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS)?

IBM WAS trend is going down as there are a lot of alternative application servers available in the market, but that doesn’t mean its dead yet.

There are still many organization use it and will be in the future. If you are working in other Middleware technologies and assigned a WAS administration role, then it requires a little bit of learning. I’ve covered many WAS related articles, but they are not organized in order.

Many of you asked how to get it started as a beginner, so in this article, I attempt to put together things together, which is easy to follow as a newbie.

Basic Introduction

Let’s get it started by getting familiar with IBM WAS terminology.

The above post should give you an idea about the basics. As a Middleware administrator, you often have to work on multiple technologies and platforms can be Windows or Linux.

Let’s check out some of the platform related articles.

Useful Windows Stuff to Know as System Administrator

Useful Linux find Commands for System Administrator

Linux Commands for Middleware/WebSphere Administration

Now, you should have an idea about some of the popular commands used regularly to support and manage the OS.

Next, you want to get familiar with the installation.

It would be rare, but I won’t be surprised if some organizations still use WAS 7.

How to Download & Install WebSphere Application Server 7 on Linux

Or, if you are still working on WAS 7 and asked to get involved on WAS 8.5, then the following installation guide will help you.

How to Install IBM WebSphere and apply Fix Pack?

IBM has released version 9, and if you need to play around there, here are the installation steps.

How to Download and Install WebSphere 9 ND in Linux?

You might be wondering what’s new in WAS 8.5, so here you go.

What’s new in WebSphere Application Server 8.5.5?

Once you are done with the installation, you want to create a profile.

How to Create a Profile in WebSphere ND?

What do you want to do next? Maybe knowing how to create a cluster.

How to Create Cluster in IBM WebSphere ND?

There is a new type of cluster called Dynamic Cluster in WAS 8.5.x and get an idea, check out the below link.

WebSphere 8.5.x Dynamic Cluster

It’s time to get to know about stop/start procedure and other essential scripts which you will use regularly.

Useful WebSphere Application Server Administration Scripts

Are you feeling comfortable with the IBM WAS administration now?

Let’s take a look at some of the everyday tasks you will have to perform while working in a production environment.

Having a performance-related issue and Dev or IBM asked to perform a dump for further analysis.

Generate Heap Dump, Java Core & System Dump in WebSphere

and, to generate and analyze the thread dump

How to Generate and Analyse WebSphere Thread Dump?

There might be an intermittent issue, and you want to automate taking thread dump whenever WAS is hung.

How to take Thread Dump Automatically when WebSphere Hung/Stop?

Let’s take a look at configuring the heap dump. You often need that during capacity planning and stress test.

Modify WebSphere Memory Heap Size in JVM, Nodeagent & DMGR

Don’t forget to check the following for some of the essential configuration instructions.

Useful WebSphere Application Server Configuration Guide

IBM regularly releases the Fix Pack containing security, performance fixes, and improvements. And, as a WAS engineer, you should update them regularly to keep the application secure and fast.

Fix pack Upgrade Guide in IBM WebSphere 8.5

Did you ask how to integrate with web servers?

How to Use Nginx with WebSphere Application Server?

How to Integrate IBM HTTP Server with WebSphere in 8.5.5?

And some bonus to read in free time.

Virtual Host in WebSphere and Configuration Guide – Explained

How to Monitor & Identify Performance Issue in WebSphere?

And, if you are planning to change a job.

50 Frequently Asked WebSphere Interview Questions and Answers

Do you feel more comfortable in dealing with IBM WAS now?

I know it’s not complete, but I believe as a beginner, this should give you sufficient knowledge to get it started.