Java Platform, Enterprise Edition (Java EE), is a set of specifications and APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that extend the Java Platform, Standard Edition (Java SE) to provide a robust and scalable platform for developing enterprise-level applications. Java EE, now known as Jakarta EE, facilitates the development of large-scale, distributed, and transactional applications for the enterprise.
Key Features of Java EE:
1. Component-Based Development:
Java EE promotes a component-based architecture, where applications are built by assembling reusable and independent components. These components, such as Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB), Servlets, and JavaServer Faces (JSF), simplify development and maintenance.
2. Distributed Computing:
Java EE supports the development of distributed applications, allowing components to be distributed across multiple servers. This enables the creation of scalable and high-performance systems that can handle large workloads.
3. Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB):
EJB is a component model for building scalable and distributed business-tier components. It provides features such as declarative transaction management, security, and lifecycle management. EJBs can be either session beans, entity beans, or message-driven beans.
4. Servlets and JSP:
Servlets and JavaServer Pages (JSP) are key components for developing dynamic web applications. Servlets handle requests and responses on the server-side, while JSP allows the embedding of Java code within HTML pages, simplifying the creation of dynamic content.
5. Java Persistence API (JPA):
JPA is a specification for object-relational mapping in Java EE applications. It provides a standard way to interact with relational databases using Java objects. JPA enables developers to focus on business logic rather than dealing with low-level database interactions.
6. Java Message Service (JMS):
JMS provides a standard way for Java EE components to communicate asynchronously by sending and receiving messages. It supports the development of scalable and loosely coupled distributed applications.
7. Java Naming and Directory Interface (JNDI):
JNDI provides a naming and directory service, allowing Java EE components to discover and access other components in a distributed environment. It is crucial for locating resources and services, such as databases and messaging systems.
8. Security:
Java EE includes a robust security model that supports authentication, authorization, and secure communication. It allows developers to define security policies at both the application and module levels.
9. Transaction Management:
Java EE provides a transactional model that supports distributed transactions across multiple resources. Declarative transaction management simplifies the handling of transactions, ensuring data consistency in enterprise applications.
10. Java Connector Architecture (JCA):
JCA enables integration with enterprise information systems (EIS) such as ERP and CRM systems. It defines a standard architecture for connecting enterprise systems with Java EE applications.
Jakarta EE:
In 2017, Oracle transferred the stewardship of Java EE to the Eclipse Foundation, where it was rebranded as Jakarta EE. Jakarta EE continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of enterprise development, and it remains a vital platform for building scalable and reliable enterprise applications.
Conclusion:
Java EE, now Jakarta EE, has played a significant role in the development of enterprise applications for decades. Its rich set of specifications and APIs provides developers with the tools needed to build robust, scalable, and secure systems. Whether developing web applications, services, or middleware, Java EE remains a foundation for enterprise-level software development. As Jakarta EE continues to evolve under the Eclipse Foundation, it remains a relevant and powerful choice for modern enterprise solutions.