Most Popular Java Frameworks in 2022 for Enterprise App Development

Most Popular Java Frameworks in 2022 for Enterprise App Development

The popularity of Java as the most reliable programming language seems to be improving every year. Even after the emergence of so many similar platforms, Java’s popularity remains virtually uncontested. Programmers always prefer Java, especially when it comes to developing enterprise-level applications. However, it’s not just Java enterprise applications. The framework is equally efficient in building other forms of software solutions, including web and mobile apps. Java improves productivity by providing a flawless structure to work around. In this blog post, you will discover the most popular Java frameworks in 2022 to use for enterprise application development.

There are numerous frameworks in Java for developing enterprise applications. But every framework has its own benefits and drawbacks. By selecting a framework, developers’ task of building a web application becomes simple. As a developer, you must select a framework that is suitable for your business needs, not because it has multiple benefits. This is the most common mistake that developers do. In the end, you need an app that is beneficial for your business and that behaves the correct way.

Most Popular Java Frameworks in 2022 to Boost Enterprise App Development

 

1. Spring
   Every Java development company would like to implement this framework for its unique features and superior performance. With a basic component structure and configurations, this modern framework is in high-demand to build enterprise-level applications in an amazingly simple manner. Its innovative features like DI (dependency injection) and compatibility with other frameworks including Kotlin make it developers’ favorite.

The Spring framework implements inversion of control (IoC) method. Developers can easily focus on the modules, freeing other components for better flexibility.

To achieve different functionality in Java web development, multiple modules are available like Spring core, Spring AOP, Spring Transaction, and Spring MVC.

Spring is used for:

• Creating a distributed development structure
  • Adding features to Java applications
  • Boosting Java web development
  • Adding multiple layers to build a real-time application

Benefits of using Spring

• All-inclusive development and configuration structure.
  • Feature to support traditional and latest database like NoSQL.
  • Offer backward compatibility and code testability.
  • IoC can be used for the Loose coupling.
  • Aspect-oriented programming for cohesive development.
  • JBDC abstraction layer for development hierarchy/

Limitations of Spring

• Difficult to learn; developers usually struggle with the dependency injection feature.
  • Requires frequent updates as configurations keep on changing.
  • Dependency injection makes the project completely reliant on the framework.

2. Grails

Grails is a dynamic framework, coordinated by the Groovy JVM language. It implements multiple Java technologies, comprising Java EE containers, Spring, SiteMesh, Hibernate, and Quartz.

This open-source development framework is highly popular among developers for Enterprise Java Beans support. It does not require any XML configuration and thus developers can instantly start the development job to build a robust enterprise application.

Grails is used for:

• Developing e-commerce websites
  • Building content management systems.
  • Offering RESTful web services.

Benefits of using Grails

• Easy to implement object mapping library.
  • Spring Boot based controller layer.
  • Embedded Tomcat container.
  • Hundreds of plugins to boost application performance.
  • Offers a trustworthy community base.

Limitations of Grails

• Runtime language leads to errors.
  • Complicated integration.
  • Not perfect for a multi-threaded app.
  • Need to hire Java developers having knowledge of Groovy language.
  • Developers need to buy IntelliJ Idea, as no other IDE is supported.

3. Blade
   The Blade framework was developed in 2015. Since then it has been a top choice for developing Java enterprise applications. It’s simple and lightweight. It’s incredibly useful in a project’s perspective since developers can understand it quickly. Based on Java 8, this lightweight framework offers a RESTful-style routing layout, making the web API simpler to understand with the website.

Blade is used for:

• Full-stack web application development.

Benefits of using Blade

• Simple, a small and clear coding structure.
  • Multiple components offered.
  • Support for multiple configuration files.
  • CSRF and XSS security feature.
  • Compatible with plug-in extensions & web jar resources.
  • Template engine support.

Limitations of Blade

• Complex documentation.
  • Lack of mobile app-responsiveness.
  • Dependency engine.

4. Google Web Toolkit (GWT)

It is a free framework that is compatible with any customization. Developers can easily write client-side Java code. Several Google applications are based on GWT like AdSense, AdWords, Google Wallet, and Blogger. Using this framework, it is easy to develop complex browser applications quickly. It allows developers to build and debug run applications in the Java language.

During deployment, the cross-compilers translate Java apps to independent JavaScript files. It comes with several features like cross-browser portability, bookmarking, history, management, and internationalization.

GWT is used for:

• Developing progressive web apps
  • Developing and managing complex JavaScript applications

Benefits of using GWT

• Implements a reusable technique for development tasks.
  • Provide full-featured Java debugging.
  • Smooth & developer-supportive RPC mechanism.
  • Support for HTML Canvas.
  • Easy to Implement Google APIs.

Limitations of GWT

• The compiling of Java to JavaScript is slow.
  • Proprietary approach to defining the structure.
  • Requires heavy code even for simple things.
  • Suitable for Java developers only.

5. Play

Play is a reliable and secure framework. Its popularity can be judged by the fact that it is used by renowned companies for their enterprise application development like Samsung, LinkedIn, Verizon, and The Guardian. Since it implements an asynchronous model that offers speed, performance, and scalability in project development.

Built on Akka Toolkit, this framework helps in the creation of concurrent and distributed applications on the JVM. Its user interface is engaging and smooth, thus developers can easily understand its features to start the development job quickly.

Play is used for:

• Developing web applications that require regular content development.
  • Building enterprise Java applications for desktop and mobile platforms

Benefits of using Play

• Supports hot reload for all Java code, templates, and configurations.
  • Provides non-blocking I/O for high-performance apps.
  • Open-source, supported by a large community.
  • Paid support is available too.
  • Easy handling of compile and runtime error

Limitations of Play

• Difficult to learn
  • Heavy documentation.
  • Occasionally becomes volatile.

6. Hibernate

Hibernate ORM is an unwavering object-relational mapping Java framework. It facilitates better communication between the Java programming language and relational database management systems (RDBMS).

When you work with an object oriented programming language like Java, you are likely to face a problem of Object-Relational Impedance Mismatch also referred to as Paradigm Mismatch. It’s because OO languages and RDBMs manage data in a different way, which results in severe mismatch issues.

The Hibernate framework is a perfect solution to overcome the mismatch problems of Java.

Hibernate is Used for

• Creating persistent classes based on the object-oriented idiom
• Communicating with any database with minor changes in the code, eliminating the gap between objects and relational words
• Conducting the data operation on Java entities

Benefits of Using Hibernate

• Free and open-source Java framework
• It is portable, productive, and easy to maintain
• It eliminates a lot of repetitive code from the JDBC API

Limitations of Hibernate

• Multiple inserts supported by JDBC are not allowed
• More Complex with joins
• Bad performance in Batch processing
• Not ideal for a small project
• Not easy to learn

7. Struts

Our list of the most popular Java frameworks in 2022 is incomplete without mentioning Struts. It is an enterprise-level Java framework maintained by the Apache Software Foundation (ASF). This feature-rich framework enables developers to build an easy-to-maintain Java-based application. Struts is available in two versions: Struts 1 and Struts 2. Struts is a powerful combination of the webwork framework of OpenSymphony and Struts 1. Since Struts 2 is an upgraded version of Apache Struts, many companies prefer using this framework for web application development.

Struts is Used for

• Building an MVC-based web application
• Helping developers easily adopt MVC architecture as the framework uses and extends the Java Servlet API

Benefits of Struts

• Advanced documentation
• Reduced development time and effort
• Helps in building easy-to-maintain applications
• Provides centralized configuration. As many Struts values are represented in XML or property files, developers don’t need to code information into Java programs.
• Seamless integration with other most popular Java frameworks in 2022

Limitations of Struts

• No backward flow
• Single-controller servlet; there is only one ActionServlet available which may cause an issue of scalability.
• Does not handle any exception, where there are errors in the config files.
• Follows a rigid approach
• Less transparent
• Struts 1 can’t prevent embedding applications into JSP
• Non-XML compliance of JSP syntax

8. JavaServer Faces (JSF)

This famous Java framework is the creation of Oracle. It is used for building user interfaces for Java-based web applications. JSF is a quite stable framework and is an official standard of the Java Community Process (JCP) initiative.

JSF is a component-based UI development framework. It is based on the MVC architecture which completely defines the difference between application logic and representation.

JavaServer Faces is Used for

• Developing native applications
• Benefits of Using JavaServer Faces
• JSF is a core part of Java EE
• Offers powerful tools and rich libraries
• It enables existing backend Java code to extend using a web interface without having to alter the base application by bringing up a new framework.

Limitations of JavaServer Faces

• Makes simple tasks more difficult
• Lacks flexibility
• Steep learning curve
• Incompatible with standard Java technologies
• Offers primitive Ajax support

9. Apache Wicket

If you’ve knowledge of JSP, then learning Apache Wicket will be easier for you. It is a simple Java web development framework based on components. So, if you know Java and HTML, you can easily learn to work with the platform. No XML or configuration files are required at all.

One core feature of Wicket is its POJO model in which components are simple Java Objects having OOP features. When bundled together, these components can be used as reusable packages with pages, buttons, links, forms, containers, behaviors, etc. Developers can also be customized according to their requirements.

Apache Wicket is a lightweight Java framework and you can develop web applications faster. You can even unit test code is written in Wicket easily.

Wicket is Used for

• Building websites and web applications
• Benefits of Using Wicket
• POJO component model
• Easy development
• Isolation of concerns
• Secure
• Supports transparent and scalable clustering
• Support for a transparent back button
• Support for multiple tabs and windows
• Reusable Components

Limitations of Apache Wicket

• Sparse documentation
• No built-in file management system
• Less community support and popularity
• Does not support real-time data stream processing

10. DropWizard

The last one on this list of the most popular Java frameworks in 2022 is DropWizard. This lightweight framework allows you to build your application quickly with its exceptional support for advanced configurations, application metrics, logging, etc. You can build RESTful web applications that ensure high performance, reliability, and stability.

Dropwizard brings a host of libraries such as Guava, Jetty, Jackson, Jersey, and Metrics amongst several others from the Java ecosystem into a single framework. This makes it a lightweight and lean application.

Since there are integrated libraries available for all the tasks related to configurations, security, and performance, you need to only build your business logic. Dropwizard is an open-source Java framework and is bundled with libraries. You can easily integrate the framework with Eclipse IDE and build a simple project.

DropWizard is Used for

• Fast development of high-performing RESTful web services
• Benefits of Using DropWizard
• Exceptional support for configuration, logging, application metrics, templating, operational tools, etc.
• Rapid prototyping
• Ops-friendly
• Modular structure
• Development of high-performing RESTful web services
• Supports several open-source and independent libraries
• Vast community support

Limitations of DropWizard

• As it is bundled together, it includes third-party frameworks/libraries issues and bugs
• Older versions of DropWizard are using deprecated third-party libraries. Also, it is difficult to upgrade DropWizard versions.

 

11. Spark Java Framework

Apache Spark has made goodwill over these years and turned out to be one of the most reliable microframeworks. Altogether, Spark is a specific language that helps for coding in Java and well and Kotlin programming.

This platform allows you to develop microservices effortlessly while allowing you to use Java Virtual Machine with 100% compatibility with java and Kotlin. Along with that, it helps in web-based application development by allowing the use of REST APIs.  

Being a reliable microframework, it enables you to use scripting languages like Ruby and PHP. Basically, Spark development has taken inspiration from Sinatra– a Ruby-based web application framework. Moreover, Spark doesn’t promote MVC-based development, still, you can design your application as per need.

So, if you want to create a next-gen application, hire java developers with expertise in Spark.

 

Spark is used for:

• Develop an application with machine learning and fog computing
• Infuse processing streaming data capabilities to the application
• Create microservices

 

Benefits of using spark framework:

• Swift web development due to minimal boilerplate code expression and lightweight
• Fault/risk tolerance
• Dynamic nature
• Real-time data stream processing
• The declarative syntax for non-biased coding

 

Limitation of Spark:

• Slower development due to lack of instruction & tutorials
• Inadequate file management system
• A few algorithms
• No aspect of real-time data

 

12. Tapestry Java Frameworks

You might haven’t heard about this framework, but believe us that it is very powerful and enables you to create highly scalable web applications. It also emphasizes reusing components, that’s why it is often compared with Jakarta Server Faces and Wicket Framework.

Just like Spark, it is another Apache family Java framework that allows you to write Tapestry pages and components in simple Java objects. Moreover, it provides you access to the complete Java ecosystem via the framework. Moreover, you can also infuse Groovy and Scala and other Java frameworks like Spring, Hibernate, and more.

Moreover, it is fast, efficient, and offers features like reloading, reporting of exceptions, templates, Ajax support, and several components. Being a user-friendly framework, it enables you to leverage both single and multiple servers. Altogether, applications developed using Tapestry adhere to best practices such as client-side caching, JS compressing, and aggregation.

Tapestry is used for:

• Testing-driven application development
• Create an application full of APIs

 

Benefits of using Tapestry: 

• Highly Scalable & feature for testing
• Can create out of league UIs
• Enable high code reusability and live class reloading
• It offers line precise error reporting
• Built-in components are an excellent alternative

 

Limitation of Tapestry;

• Lack of tutorials and learning materials
• Not robust security provisions
• Outdated framework
• Hard syntax

 

13. Vaadin Java Framework

At a time, Vaadin was the most popular and developers’ favorite Java framework. However, it has lost its charm due to the arrival of many more advanced frameworks. Although, it is still being used by a number of enterprises and developers to create Rich Internet Applications.

It allows you to use components to customize your web application’s UX for better performance and accessibility. Vaadin 10 is a unique framework that approaches web development in a whole new way by providing designer access to DOM (Document Object Model). Simply, designers can access DOM from JVM (Java virtual machine).

Also, it has a lightweight Java framework named Vaading Flow that handles server-client communication, UI components that run on the browser, and routing. Moreover, the framework is designed in a way that it offers mobile compatibility along with the most recent standard of web development.

Vaadin is used for:

• Mobile application development
• Progressive web development
• Use Kotlin & Scala

Benefits Of Vaadin:

• Offers server-side programming
• Easy to integrate
• Enable a variety of options

Disadvantages of Vaadin:

• On a desktop application pressing a button doesn’t feel the same. Lack of responsiveness, and feel.
• It is costly
• Finding resources that you can solve is difficult

 

14. Vert.x

Vert.x is quite an in infancy and its first stable release came in November 2021. However, it would be wrong to not mention this framework as is a highly compatible & incredible platform. Being a polyglot framework, it runs in conjunction with JVM and exposes APIs in Java, Groovy, and Kotlin.

Simply, you can develop applications in Java, Groovy, JavaScript, Scala, Ruby, and Kotlin. This means It supports almost every modern programming that provides high-end solutions. Moreover, It is a robust platform that allows you to create architecture and produces applications via an event-driven design that are easy to scale even with limited hardware.

Isn’t it wonderful? Well, if you don’t know that Eclipse Foundation maintain and developed Vert.x, which is renowned for its remarkable IDE called Eclipse. Furthermore, Vert.x offers idiomatic APIs that you can use for any programming language supported by the platform.

Being a non-blocking framework, it allows you to handle a number of concurrent tasks with a few threads. So, what are you waiting for? If you want to leverage its potential, hire Java developers now.

 

Vert.x is used for:

• Creating robust applications without multi-threading
• Truly scalable applications

 

Benefits of Vert.x:

• Fast modular architecture loading
• Easy to use and create large documents
• High-performance applications
• Event-driven runtime

 

Limitations of Vert.x:

• High learning curve
• Accessibility by thread
• Single thread architecture reduces code complexity

 

15.JHipster

You probably wouldn’t have heard of this Java framework. However, it is quite popular as it allows you to integrate Spring boot and front-end frameworks like Angular, React, and Vue in web applications. Also, companies like Adobe, HBO, Siemens, Bosch, and even Google are using it.

The framework allows you to create modern Java-based applications and microservices swiftly. Moreover, you can create production-quality applications based on the Spring framework. These applications require minimal configuration. Furthermore, JHipster integrates Spring with other platforms like Vue, React, Angular, and Bootstrap.

You can access these as a client-side component that offers you an entire stack architecture. Also, you can use different architectural styles for application development. So, if you want to create an application that needs to be developed using a different development environment, reach out to a Java development company with JHipster support.

 

JHipster is used for:

• Create microservices
• Highly secured application

 

Benefits Of JHipster:

• Swift development processes
• Developed on Sprint Boot foundation
• Active developer community
• Multiple options for the deployment

 

Limitation of JHipster:

• Confusing code for newbies
• Doesn’t support typical Angular CLI
• A number of codes to be generated

 

Wrapping Up

All of these frameworks have their own set of perks and limitations, choose wisely by considering your requirement. Or! Connect with a java web development company or expert to get insight into the best selection.  

Hope this article helped you, let us know your query in the comment section.  

FAQs

Q. What is the difference between web application & enterprise application?
A web application executes in a web-container and comprises servlets/Jsps alone and named with an extension. Whereas an enterprise application runs in a special container called enterprise container which has special features like JMS, Transaction, etc. Java India offers industry-best web and enterprise application development services.

Q. How much does it cost to build a Java enterprise application?
The costs of developing a Java enterprise application depend on several factors. Design complexity, development time, type of features, etc. play an important role in calculating the costs. Java India delivers impeccable Java enterprise applications at a competitive price.

Q. How long does it take to develop a Java enterprise application?
There’s no predefined time for developing a Java enterprise application. It varies widely depending on the features of the app and its design. The best way to know an estimated time is to consult development experts. We develop flawless Java enterprise applications in short development time.

Q. What is Java Framework?

A Java framework is a body or platform of pre-written code used by Java developers to develop Java applications or web applications. In other words, the Java framework is a set of predefined classes and functions that are used to interact with system software, process input, to manage hardware devices.

Q. What are Elementary Java Frameworks?

Major 5 java elementary frameworks are Sprint, Hibernate, Spring Security, Spring Boot, and Spring Cloud.  

Q. Which framework is best for Java?

Spring Framework is one of the most widely used premier lightweight software application frameworks created for designing, developing, and deploying software in Java. This Java framework includes extensions for developing software applications for Java. Spring is mainly used in web application development.