Top 10 Java Frameworks

Java is one of the best object-oriented programming languages that has been facilitating the coding world for more than 25 years. This high-profile scripting language was initially launched in 1995, and tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Uber use it.

Although Java is doing very well in its domain but developers can definitely enhance its benefits while programming by using the right Java framework.

Therefore, this article is going to discuss reasons to use such structures and the top Java frameworks in detail.

What is Java?

Java is an old and class-based programming language that James Gosling designed. Java is basically a platform-independent coding language where you just script the code once and can utilize it for any platform.

After more than 2 decades of its release, this safe and scalable language is still famous among developers because of its easy to debug, code, and compile functionalities.

The recent developer survey of Stack Overflow also claims that Java owns the 5th position among the top popular technologies of 2021. It got 35.35% votes in this regard.

Similarly, more than 9820 companies also declared on StackShare about using Java language. Netflix, Google, Instagram and Spotify are also some of these tech businesses that are practicing Java for their distinct adventures.

Advantages of Java

• Java is one of the most used and robust programming languages of the current era. That is why it confers a variety of advantages to its users. We are also going to discuss the core advantages of Java here:

• Java is considered an uncomplicated programming language because of its simple syntax. Indeed, it is seamless to read, write, debug and manage code with Java. The absence of convoluted properties like storage class and explicit pointers also makes it an easy to operate language for developers.

• As an object-oriented scripting language, Java is also very beneficial for its users. Mainly, this OOP feature permits businesses and developers to rehash the code. This property definitely also increases the scalability and adaptability of your project.

• Java also uses a self-activating memory management system. With the help of the garbage collection procedure, it discards all of the unemployed objects. Java Virtual Machine (JVM) also aids in the administration of memory.

• To enhance the utilization of the CPU, Java coders also get help from its multithreading property. This feature permits the developers to operate more than one thread at a time. These multiple threads can’t only work separately but also improve the effectiveness of the software.

• Java is also considered a stable and secure programming language. The core reason for its strong security is the absence of explicit points. Yes, these explicit points become the reason for unapproved memory approaches in many cases. Java also employs a security manager to enforce a security policy.

• As an old programming language, Java also has a huge and friendly community. So, it is seamless for novices to get help from Java communities in case of any problem. Similarly, Java projects’ development is inexpensive because Java programmers are very economical to hire.

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Limitations of Java

Like any other programming language, Java still has room for improvement. Here are some limitations of Java:

• Compared to the leading languages C++ and C, Java ingests more memory. This drawback also leads to slow coding and poor performance of Java applications.

• In the same token, Java scripts are not considered concise and easy to read. Yes, complicated and long codes also make Java an unwanted language for many developers.

• Java also needs more memory space. Particularly while conducting garbage collection operations, it acquires much space that badly affects the application’s productivity.

• The graphical user interface of Java is also not appropriate to build tricky UIs. Surely, Java’s GUIs should be modernized and improved.

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What is a Framework?

Frameworks are structures that consist of pre-established scripts. These pre-written functions and classes permit the developers to combine their scripts to deal with particular problems. These frameworks act like skeletons and provide programmers with basic support to build an application.

Moreover, frameworks also help businesses to emphasize their core competencies instead of dealing with the server-side functionalities and codes all the time.

Why Use a Java Framework?

Here are basic reasons for using a Java framework:

Improves Security

One of the major reasons for using a Java framework is security. When you use a framework for your Java project, you don’t have to worry about cyberattacks. These threats could be data tampering, SQL injections, and forgery, but developers don’t need to go the extra mile for app safety with a framework.

In addition, Java frameworks also grant specific features and tools in terms of security that can also safeguard an app from the current and forthcoming cyber threats.

Enhances the Development Speed

Java framework also confers a ready to use set of tools that increase the development speed of an application. Definitely, while using a Java framework, programmers don’t need to write the code from scratch and can also use available packages to build an app efficiently.

Provides Community Support

As we know, Java is an old programming language that is why most of its frameworks also have big and experienced communities. The assistance and guidance of such frameworks’ community could be very beneficial for startups and Java developers. You also visit the discussion forums of Java communities to get solutions for your Java project.

Grants Maintenance & Shortens the Code

Programming languages don’t give much importance to code maintenance, but Java frameworks do. Yes, Java frameworks provide great support for testing, debugging and maintaining the code. Similarly, the use of frameworks also reduces the length of your code. Therefore, developers can save their time with frameworks that they invest in writing long Java scripts.

Improves the Database Efficiency

A variety of frameworks utilize the Object Relational Mapper (ORM) tool to facilitate the database functionalities. So, with such Java frameworks, developers don’t have to script the long SQL codes because ORM offers pre-built instructions in this regard.

Top 10 Java Frameworks

One of the most famous and reliable Java frameworks with their core features are explained below:

1. Spring

To build Java applications seamlessly and safely, the use of Spring is considered the right choice. Indeed, Spring is one of the most used Java frameworks that was launched in 2002. This framework emphasizes efficiency and simplicity. That is why it has more than 31k forks and 44.2k stars on GitHub.

Features

Flexible Libraries — Spring provides very flexible third-party libraries that help in building secure data flows and cloud-based apps. Dependency Injection (DI) and Inversion of Control (IoC) properties also improve the functionalities of the Spring framework and its libraries.

Secure & Fast — The security administrators of Spring closely monitor all bugs and vulnerabilities. Their security teams always try to fix them as soon as possible. To improve the speed of projects, Spring offers a non-blocking programming model. This model helps a lot to increase the productivity of applications.

Spring Boot — This tool is also known as Java Spring Boot. It helps developers, particularly when it comes to creating microservices-oriented and web applications quickly. To offer more features, it also offers templates, cloud-rich tools and libraries etc.

Supportive Community — Spring also offers great community support on various platforms. Developers can get help on Stack Overflow and Gitter. Businesses and programmers can also join events and meetups on its official website on the ‘Community’ page to explore more about this Java framework.

2. Hibernate

Hibernate is an open-source Java framework that was launched in 2001. This ORM tool doesn’t depend on any database. That is why it is considered a better option than JDBC. Hibernate framework also manages the impedance mismatches and the caching mechanisms.

Around 838 developers claimed on StackShare that they use Hibernate for their projects. The top businesses that are using this Java framework are Trendyol Group, Redfin and Trade Republic.

Features

Fast & Lightweight — Hibernate backs the both first and the second level caches that makes it really fast and lightweight Java framework. It is also free software that comes with the license of LGPL.

Database-Independent — The database-independent nature of Hibernate also makes it an ideal choice for many Java developers. With this framework, coders don’t have to write database-oriented inquiries. This was also a reason to launch this framework as an alternative to EJB2.

Transparent Persistence — With transparent persistence, it is also simple to combine the database tables with the object. With this approach, developers can also save the time that they consume in writing connection codes.

HQL — If you are not willing to go with SQL, then the use of Hibernate is the perfect option for you. Yes, it utilizes the Hibernate Query Language that is object-oriented and robust than SQL.

Easy to Learn — It has been noticed that Java frameworks are a little complicated to learn for beginners. However, there is a good news for beginners because it is easy to learn the Hibernate framework.

3. Quarkus

It is a Kubernetes native and full-stack framework of Java that was launched in 2019 by Red Hat Software. Although it is a new platform compared to other Java frameworks but it could be the right choice for serverless and cloud environments.

Vodafone Greece, one of the largest telecommunication firms in Greece, has used this Java framework in 2019. Yes, after replacing Quarkus with Spring Boot, the company noticed an improvement in loggings, security and database connectivity.

Features

Scalable — Quarkus is a highly scalable framework that large enterprises can use without any worry. It doesn’t matter how many more users are consuming your app, it always keeps your applications lightweight.

Easy to Test — It is convenient to test codes with Quarkus because it comes with Hot Load functionality. This open-source framework also enables the developers to change the code and accomplish the operations within milliseconds seamlessly.

Overcomes RSS Memory — This Java framework only consumes 1/10th of the memory. This characteristic definitely reduces the RSS memory requirements.

4. Struts

Strut is a commonly used Java framework that is considered one of the more powerful options available. It employs MVC patterns, so it is considered one of the faster deployment solutions. This can help create enterprise applications because of the powerful toolkit it possesses.

Features

Easy to Learn — Struts is simple and beginner-friendly as it has simple functions and a straightforward user interface. However, it is a familiar but modernized framework for seasoned Java users.

Customizable — It has a number of tools that can help customize the workplace. It also has a number of theme options available for the developers.

Plugin Capabilities — It can support a number of plugins such as AJAX, JSON and REST. These can not only facilitate the developers in application development. But it also comes with ease of access in deployment.

Fast Development — It has a rapid development timeline as it can use a number of libraries and functions that are already built into the framework. This can speed up the development process along with keeping the code consistent and error-free.

MVC Patterns — It uses the Model View Controller pattern that can make the development process even faster. This can help make the decision of opting for this Java Framework much easier and simpler.

5. JSF — Java Server Faces

Java Server Faces, or JSF, is one of the most frequently used Java frameworks. This is because of the fact that it is designed around Java web development. This comes with a number of unique features that can help developers consider this a better choice for web development.

Furthermore, the most highlighted of these features is its special focus on performance and resource management. This can help with the smooth running of the web app and giving the user a better overall experience.

Features

Libraries — A number of libraries are supported that allows the developers to add or remove functionalities easily. This aids in the design and implementation process as most of the coding is already done within the libraries.

AJAX Support — Java Server Faces can allow AJAX support. This can help the developer manipulate AJAX events to validate any stream. This can help JSF become a better choice for more secure applications and subsequently, a more secure java framework overall.

UI Elements — It has a number of elements that can help in user management and applications creation more easily. It has a custom tag that allows a JSF interface within a JSP page.

API-Based User Interface Development — Java Server Face, as the name suggests, has more inclination towards User interface APIs. It comes with APIs for input validation, page navigation manipulation, Accessibility, and internalization.

6. Grails

Grails is a Java framework primarily used for automation testing. This Java framework has many built-in features such as object-oriented programming that makes it a unique choice from its competitors. It also has a number of testing features that help in the overall testing process. This allows users to save time in testing.

Features

Groovy Design Language — Grails can allow Groovy to work on top of Java to grant the developer the option of more customizability of the frontend of the application. This ensures that the user is given a good number of frontend options to go for.

Dynamic Feature Calling — It has the capability to call and execute functionalities within the webpage without having to refresh servers. This gives the end-user a much smoother experience and even ensures that the interface is not unusable while working on the app.

REST API Support — RESTful APIs have a number of features for database management. It can be a make-or-break decision for a number of people as the features that REST offers aren’t valid.

Backend Support — This has a specific backend for Java coding and manipulation. It can assist many developers in understanding and manipulating calls and using different data formats in different cases.

7. Vaadin

Vaadin is a powerful Java framework that can create feature-rich web-based applications. It can work alongside Vue JS and React JS, which makes it stand out in its domain. It can reuse elements from both Vue JS and React JS. It has DOM access directly from the Java virtual machine on which it runs. This makes it fast and very well optimized with the machine that houses the virtual machine for this Java framework.

Features

Client-Server Routing — Vaadin is a properly established testing framework for Java. It is mostly used for testing client-server communication. This testing also checks the routing of data and information streams.

WebSocket — This allows the use of @Push annotations to enable server Push. It makes the server request the elements prematurely to reduce process and loading times. This means a better user experience with the apps you generate from the Vaadin Java framework.

Well Documented — The framework is properly documented and has good support available online. This can help new developers settle in better with this framework.

Element-Based Web Application — It endorses the set standards for web elements in the development process.

Building Tools — It has a good toolkit for building apps that include Maven and Gradle features.

8. Blade

Blade is another reliable MVC Java framework. This framework is usually used to create complicated web applications for Java. Blade has more than 5.5k stars and 1.1 forks on GitHub. Its simple syntax also makes it an appealing Java framework for many businesses and coders.

Features

Jetty Server — To build one of the lightest Java applications, its jetty server plays a great role. It also keeps the script clear and uncomplicated for the coders.

Extension Mechanism — Its plug-in extensions don’t only improve the scripting speed but also provide much development support.

Routing Interface & File Support — Routing interface and huge file support are also benefits of using this framework.

9. Dropwizard

To build speedy RESTful web services, the use of Dropwizard as a Java framework is the right decision. With more than 8k stars and 3.3k forks on GitHub, it is a popular choice among Java developers.

Features

Library Support — Dropwizard backs the use of independent libraries for its projects that is very helpful for the developers.

Easy Integration — If you think of integrating with another framework, then it is convenient with Dropwizard. It reinforces the adoption of numerous third-party frameworks.

Quick Development — This framework also helps in quick app development because it permits rapid prototyping.

Heath Checks — To examine the health of your applications, it grants coders to analyze the health of different app components. With this feature, you can also easily evaluate the performance and modify it accordingly.

10. Play

Play is another model–view–controller Java framework. This open-source framework was initially launched in 2007 for Java’s web applications. With around 12K stars and 4K forks, it is a sought-after Java framework that you can use for different web projects.

286 companies stated on StackShare are using this Java framework. The Guardian, LinkedIn and Coursera are the big names that are benefiting from the Play framework.

Features

Massive Ecosystem — This framework comes with a huge ecosystem. It confers several Play plugins, Maven libraries support and much more.

Fast & Scalable — It is spontaneous to compile and code with Play. Particularly, Java Virtual Machine makes it quick to script apps with this framework. In the same token, this Java framework is also very scalable for modern web applications.

Developer-Friendly — Play is also a developer-friendly framework. Developers can quickly refresh the code changes and see the results. Its editor also aids the coders to write safely. The built-in testing tools, dynamic console and IDE support also make this framework an optimum Java framework.

Conclusion

To build and deploy powerful and interactive Android and web applications, the use of the Java programming language is considered ideal.

Hopefully, our listed Java frameworks would assist coders in developing such Java apps more efficiently. Withal, it is also suggested that the developers not pick a Java framework based on its popularity. Indeed, it is important to check its compatibility with your project.

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