Java frameworks such as Spring, Grails, and Google Web Toolkit (GWT) are key development tools that come with pre-written code making it easier for the web to be developed. They act as starting points or foundational structures allowing developers to efficiently construct applications through the use of predefined classes and functions. The market for global Java web development frameworks is estimated to grow to about USD 9,034.10 million by 2030, a figure that shows just how relevant they are to the industry, based on a Verified Market Research report.
For companies that seek to supplement their web development arsenal with world-class Java frameworks, this piece provides useful information about their uses and applications.
What is a Java Framework?
A Java framework is a platform that includes pre-defined code that developers use to develop web applications. These frameworks are made up of classes and functions that handle hardware interactions, process inputs, and allow interaction with system applications. Using these pre-written codes and libraries, developers spend less time on business logic and do not have to write repetitive code from scratch. Java frameworks are also known as libraries and APIs, and they offer a systematic way of developing applications.
Why Use Java Frameworks?
Java frameworks provide an organized base to develop applications that allow developers to automate tasks and get uniform outputs. They involve both front-end and back-end development, from which developers are able to focus on business logic instead of ordinary code utilized everywhere in an application. For understanding the differences between front-end and back-end more deeply, refer to our post on the matter.
Benefits of Employing Java Frameworks in Web Development
The use of Java frameworks in web development has a number of benefits:
Code Simplification
Java frameworks make coding easier by offering pre-programmed codes and libraries, thus minimizing the amount of code that needs to be written manually. This makes coding easier and increases efficiency.
Multiple Development Options
These frameworks provide varying features and capabilities, allowing developers to build responsive applications effectively. Since Java frameworks come with integrated standards and guidelines, structured development is made possible.
Security and Reliability
Java frameworks are built with solid security features and reliability to guarantee that web applications run perfectly without any interruption. Their complex methods and algorithms also help improve the overall stability and security of the applications.
Better Support
Most Java frameworks have large support communities and forums where developers can ask for help, troubleshoot, and learn. Detailed documentation also helps to understand and make the most out of these frameworks.
Increased Efficiency
Java frameworks speed up the completion of activities that would otherwise require a lot of coding time by using pre-implemented functions. This makes web development faster, more effective, and more seamless.
12 Popular Java Frameworks for Web Development in 2025
Java frameworks are essential tools that provide developers with pre-written code, streamlining the web development process. They serve as foundational structures, enabling the efficient creation of robust applications. As we look ahead to 2025, several Java frameworks stand out for their popularity and utility. Below is an overview of these frameworks, highlighting their key features and advantages.
1. Spring
Spring is a Java-based, light-weight open-source framework that provides rich infrastructure assistance in creating Java applications. It is largely adopted for developing high-performance applications employing plain old Java objects (POJOs).
Key Features:
- Admin features
- Properties files
- Type-safe configuration
- Web development capabilities
- Application listeners and events
- Externalized configuration
Advantages:
- Facilitates application testing and ensures backward compatibility
- Simplifies JDBC connection management
- Supports XML configurations
- Allows for the deployment of web applications without the need for an external web server
2. Google Web Toolkit (GWT)
Google-developed GWT is an open-source framework that allows developers to write client-side Java code and deploy it as JavaScript for web applications. It’s especially famous for being lightweight and easy to integrate.
Key Features:
- Simple RPC mechanism
- Full-featured Java debugging support
- Integration with unit testing frameworks
- Reusable and dynamic UI components
- Browser history management
- Support for localization and internationalization
Advantages:
- Developer-friendly with a gentle learning curve
- Simplifies the creation and management of complex JavaScript applications
- Ensures cross-browser compatibility
- Provides a wide range of APIs for seamless development
3. Hibernate
Hibernate is a powerful Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) tool that makes database interaction in Java programs easy. It encapsulates the database operations at the lower level so that developers can use high-level object-oriented API.
Key Features:
- Object-Relational Mapping (ORM)
- Lightweight and open-source
- Caching mechanisms
- High-performance capabilities
- Hibernate Query Language (HQL)
- Automatic table creation
Advantages:
- Enhances maintainability and efficiency of database operations
- Supports mapping of Java classes to database tables
- Compatible with Java Persistence APIs
4. Struts
Apache Struts is an open-source framework that simplifies the creation of enterprise-level Java web applications by implementing the Model-View-Controller (MVC) design pattern. It offers a ready-to-use validation framework and can be integrated with other frameworks like Spring and Hibernate.
Key Features:
- POJO-based actions
- Integration support
- Various tag libraries
- Template and theme support
- Configurable MVC components
- AJAX support
Advantages:
- Reduces overall development time
- Offers comprehensive documentation
- Provides centralized configuration using XML
- Adheres to the MVC design pattern for organized code structure
5. Play
Play is a modern, open-source online application framework that prioritizes scalability and developer productivity. Because it is built on Akka and uses a reactive paradigm, it may be used with both Java and Scala applications.
Key Features:
- Robust build and console tools
- Built-in testing tools
- Hot-reload functionality
- IDE support for IntelliJ IDEA and Eclipse
- Type-safe configurations
- High-performance application development
Advantages:
- Fault-tolerant and highly flexible
- Supports hot code reloading and convention-over-configuration approach
- Provides detailed error messages and notifications
- Supports non-blocking I/O operations
6. Grails
Grails is an open-source web application framework that leverages the Groovy programming language. It integrates seamlessly with the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) and offers a convention-over-configuration approach, simplifying the development of dynamic web applications.
Key Features:
- Built on top of Spring Boot
- Efficient reloading agent
- Extensive plugin library
- Seamless Java integration
- Built-in testing framework
- Groovy-based syntax
Advantages:
- Promotes code reusability, enhancing productivity
- Offers comprehensive and user-friendly documentation
- Provides object-mapping features for simplified development
7. JavaServer Faces (JSF)
JavaServer Faces (JSF) is a Java web UI framework that enables developers to create rich user interfaces for web applications. It is built on top of the Java Servlet API and works seamlessly with JavaServer Pages (JSP) to create interactive and scalable applications.
Key Features:
- Built on Servlet API
- Automatic state management for UI components
- Component-based architecture
- Integrated MVC design pattern
- Cross-browser compatibility
- Supports multiple output formats
Advantages:
- Enhances application reliability
- Supports multi-device and cross-browser compatibility
- Offers graceful degradation, ensuring UI adapts to different platforms
- Relatively easy to learn compared to other Java UI frameworks
8. Dropwizard
Dropwizard is a lightweight Java framework specifically designed for rapid development of RESTful web services. It integrates multiple Java libraries such as Jetty, Jersey, Jackson, and Hibernate Validator, making it a powerful tool for microservices development.
Key Features:
- Hibernate Validator API integration
- Applications are packaged as a JAR file instead of WAR
- Built-in monitoring using Metrics Library
- Uses Logback and SLF4J for logging
- Simplified configuration management
Advantages:
- Enables quick application prototyping
- Optimized for building microservices
- Provides out-of-the-box support for RESTful APIs
- Supports integration with external and open-source libraries
9. Vaadin
Vaadin is a Java framework focused on UI development. Unlike traditional Java web frameworks, Vaadin allows developers to build web applications with minimal JavaScript coding, making it a preferred choice for enterprise applications with rich UI components.
Key Features:
- Server-side UI rendering
- Pre-built UI components and themes
- Full TypeScript and JavaScript support
- Supports drag-and-drop UI building
- Data-binding capabilities
Advantages:
- Reduces front-end development efforts
- Enables faster UI prototyping
- Supports real-time updates with WebSocket integration
- Provides enterprise-level security features
10. Wicket
Wicket is an open-source Java framework used for developing full-featured web applications. It supports various platforms, including desktop, tablet, and mobile devices. Additionally, Wicket is compatible with J2EE containers like Glassfish, Geronimo, Tomcat, and JBoss EAP.
Key Features:
- Configurable MVC Components
- AJAX Support
- Various Result Types
- Theme and Template Support
- POJO-Based Actions
- Integration Support
Advantages:
- Follows a component-oriented structure
- Uses the POJO model (Plain Old Java Object)
- Familiar and easy for Java developers due to its JSP-based foundation
- Lightweight and highly agile
11. Blade
Blade is one of the lightest and most performance-efficient Java web development frameworks. It follows the MVC architecture and is widely used for full-stack Java web application development. Blade is also based on Java 8.
Key Features:
- Modular Approach
- RESTful Style Routing Interface
- Support for Plugin Extension Mechanisms
- Embedded Template Engine and Jetty Server Support
- Lightweight Design
- Supports JDK1.6 and Higher Versions
Advantages:
- Ideal for miniature MVC applications
- Supports Web JARs and Plugin extensions
- Built-in Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) protection
- Allows for multiple file configurations
12. ATG
ATG (Art Technology Group) is a Java-based web commerce platform designed for eCommerce applications. Owned by Oracle, ATG is ideal for large-scale B2B and B2C platforms. However, due to its higher cost, it may not be the best choice for small-scale applications.
Key Features:
- Personalization Capabilities
- Data Anywhere Architecture
- Payment Integration Support
- Application Server Support
- ATG Content Administration Tools
- ATG Merchandising Concepts
Advantages:
- Supports both B2B and B2C business models
- Enables businesses to manage and sell complex products and services
- Offers personalization features for an enhanced customer experience
- Provides customizable campaigns, sites, and content
