Java web frameworks are a type of web application framework designed to support Java development. Java web frameworks provide standards to build and deploy web applications written in Java. Java itself is a programming language, but frameworks typically require a programming platform. Java, Standard Edition (SE) and Java, Enterprise Edition (EE) are programing platforms that provide specification sets for distributing web services, the latter of which is simply an extended version of the former. Companies typically use Java web frameworks for its cross-platform nature, virtual machine compatibility, and runtime environment. These help save time for developers and can be used to build graphical user interface (GUI), web servers, and enterprise applications.
There is a strong relationship between Java web frameworks and other web frameworks since they all provide standards, testing and deployment tools. Still, not all web application frameworks provide cross-language support.
To qualify for inclusion in the Java Web Frameworks category, a product must:
Provide standards for Java builds and deployments
Deliver automation capabilities for Java web application development
Provide Java-compatible libraries, templates, or management tools