Java remains one of the most widely used programming languages, due to various factors. Its use on the world’s most popular mobile operating system, Android, is one such factor, as is its dependability and scalability. Additionally, Java is used across a wide range of sectors, such as finance, retail, Big Data, IT, academia, and the stock market, making it an enduring language.
Therefore, it is essential for any organization that is committed to continuing its digital transformation to meet the needs of modern technology and customers to utilize Java.
Java is an effective language for development, but to ensure developers can make the most of it and produce excellent results in a timely manner, the appropriate frameworks must be in place.
A framework is a collection of functions, libraries and other pieces of code which make it easier for developers to create programs, as well as indicating what types of applications may be developed and how they can be integrated. By using a framework, engineers are able to take advantage of the selective reuse of individual components instead of creating entire programmes from scratch, thereby saving time and avoiding unnecessary repetition.
Since frameworks are meant to be used in a variety of contexts, they make the life of the software developer much simpler.
Now that we’ve established what a framework is, let’s examine the top 10 frameworks you may give serious thought to for your engineers.
Spring
Spring is a popular Java framework widely used for the development of online applications. It provides a range of configuration formats and features, including YAML, external configuration, and type-safe configuration.
Spring’s use of Inversion of Control is one of its primary benefits since it enables you to assemble a working system from separate parts.
The value of having your engineers utilise the Spring framework is clear; it is the most widely used framework for developing Java-based web applications. Furthermore, it comes with Spring Security to provide authentication and authorisation functionality, can set up connections to JDBC databases, and can expose RESTful services.
Struts
Apache Struts has been a reliable web application framework for over two decades, promoting a Model-View-Control architecture. It capitalizes on Java Servlet API traits to streamline the development of Java EE web applications. Additionally, through utilising XML-type files for centralized setups, Struts reduces the time it takes to construct online applications.
Struts offers a broad range of capabilities, including themes, templates, POJO-based actions, customisable MVC components, tags and integration.
Chrome Dev Tools
Google Web Toolkit (GWT), an open-source framework developed by Google, enables developers to create sophisticated web-based applications with ease. GWT, pronounced “gwit”, simplifies the process of developing web apps by removing the need for a detailed knowledge of browser nuances.
The Google Web Toolkit (GWT) toolkit includes all of the Java API libraries, a compiler and a development server, allowing programmers to create Java-based client applications that execute in JavaScript.
Grails
Grails is a free and open-source web application framework written in the Java-based Apache Groovy language. It utilises the “coding by convention” methodology, meaning that setup information is hidden from the user, and can be used without any other development frameworks.
Grails was designed to provide a reliable Java web framework that utilises existing Java technologies through a single interface, offering a dependable platform for development and comprehensive documentation.
There are 3 key departures from the typical Java web framework that are part of Grails.
- There is no need for XML setup.
- Setting that’s all set for usage
- An additional method may be added to a class on-the-fly in order to provide more functionality (called mixin)
Play
Scala is the language that powers Play, a Java framework that can be used to develop web and mobile applications. Play is highly effective due to its compilation to Java bytecode.
Play’s comprehensive set of features is one of the main reasons it is used by many Java programmers. Its hit refresh process, robust console and build tools, type safety, and integrated testing tools enable quick alterations with just a web browser and a text editor. Additionally, Play is compatible with the Eclipse and IntelliJ IDEA integrated development environments.
Hibernate
The Hibernate framework has experienced a rapid rise in popularity, largely due to its significant improvements to the Java Persistence API. What sets Hibernate apart is its ability to provide the infrastructure necessary to map an object-oriented domain model to a relational database, with the help of the Hibernate Query Language.
Hibernate provides a range of features including caching, auto-generation, scalability, reduced redundancy via the JDBC API, support for Persistence APIs, and the capacity to interact with any database.
Dropwizard
Dropwizard could be the perfect framework for you if you are looking for something straightforward and lightweight. This framework can quicken the process of developing RESTful web servers and Java-based web applications.
Dropwizard employs the Metrics library for monitoring, the Hibernate Validator API for data validation, Logback and SLF4J for logging, and jars for distribution instead of a war file.
The Dropwizard platform facilitates fast prototyping of new features and services for applications and microservices. It is open-source, library-agnostic and highly user-friendly when it comes to operations.
Vaadin
Vaadin is an open-source framework designed for the development of web applications, offering type-safety through HTML5 and Java. If you are looking for a secure and user-friendly web application development solution, then this framework may be suitable for your requirements.
Vaadin boasts 45 UI components which can be used to aid the development of powerful applications. Additionally, the Vaadin Collaborative Engine is included, allowing developers to incorporate in-app collaboration functionalities.
Blade
Blade is a widely utilized Java framework for the construction of comprehensive web applications. Blade is a templating engine which is incorporated within the Laravel framework, designed to facilitate the development of advanced Java web applications.
Blade is a highly intuitive MVC framework which is modular in nature, allowing for customized project structuring to assist with debugging. Furthermore, Blade is compatible with plug-ins and utilizes JSON configuration files.
Blade may be the perfect entry-level Java framework for those who are seeking for the simplest possible option.
Wicket
Apache Wicket, developed by the Apache Foundation, is a framework designed to bring the web up to date with the current version of Java. Apache Wicket 2.4 has been developed with Java 11, ensuring it can stay ahead of the development of Java.
Wicket offers users the ability to ensure the security of their applications with the up-to-date Material Security Policy. This policy requires applications to be able to identify authorised sources of content before it can be loaded in a browser. Additionally, Wicket is compatible with AJAX, various types of output, tags, themes, templates, POJO actions and MVC components, all of which can be customised to meet individual requirements.
Conclusion
Any of these frameworks could be the ideal solution to help your Java developers increase their productivity and ensure accuracy in the workplace. With the growing demand for web applications, it is essential that your team’s programmers are equipped with the necessary tools to meet these requirements.
