What is Java Enterprise Edition (Java EE)?

In today's world of large-scale applications, businesses need secure, scalable, and efficient software solutions. Java Enterprise Edition (Java EE) now known as Jakarta EE provides a powerful framework for building enterprise-level applications.

JEE has become the backbone of many banking, e-commerce, and organization applications due to its reliability, flexibility, and platform independence. In this article, we will explore Java EE's key features, components, architecture, and many more.

What is Java Enterprise Edition?

Java Enterprise Edition (Java EE) also known as Jakarta EE which used for designing large java buildings and powerful application used by organizations. It provides tools and features that help developers to create websites, applications and backend system that can handle many users at the same time. JEE include built in support for web development, database management and security.

JEE is widely used in industries like banking, healthcare, and e-commerce because of its reliability, scalability, and security. JEE continues in making and improving enterprise software development more efficient.

Architecture of Java Enterprise Edition(JEE)

Java EE follows multi-tier architecture which means the application is divided into different layers. This makes it easier to manage, scale and update without effecting the whole system.

1. Client layer

• This is a frontend layer where users interact with the application.
• It can be a web browser, mobile app or desktop application.
• It uses technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript and JSP (Java Server Pages).

2. Web layer (Servlet layer)

• Web layer handles the users request and responses.
• Uses Servlets, JSP, JSF to process the data from users.
• Sends data to the business layer for processing.

3. Business layer (Logic layer)

• Business layer contains the core logic of an application.
• Uses EJB (Enterprises JavaBeans) to handle tasks like calculations, transactions and security.
• Processes data and communicate with the database layer.

4. Data layer

• Data layer stores and retrieves data from a database.
• Uses JPA (Java Persistence API) and JOBC for database management.
• Data layer ensures secure and efficient data storage.

5. Integration layer (Optional)

• It is used to connect the application with external systems, API's and services.
• It uses Java Messaging Services(JMS) and web services.

Core Components of JEE

Java EE is built on a set of core components that help developers to create scalable, secure and efficient enterprise application.

1. Servlets

Servlets is a part of JEE framework. It is used for web development. Servlets handles process client request and generate responses. They are used to extend features of web servers by receiving and responding to requests from web clients.

2. JSP

JSP is known as JavaServer Pages, it allows embedding Java code inside HTML for dynamic web pages. It is easier to maintain the JSP pages because it helps in distinguish between designing and development. JSP provides some added features such as Expression Language, Custom Tags, etc.

3. JSF

JSF stands for JavaServer Faces, it is a framework which is used for building web based user interfaces. It makes web development easier by providing ready to made UI components like forms, buttons, and tables. It is used for managing Beans to handle data and action efficiently.

4. EJB

EJB stands for Enterprise JavaBeans, It handles complex business logic, transactions and security. EJB helps the developers to create secure , scalable and reusable business logic for large applications. It is mainly used in banking e-commerce etc.

5. CDI

CDI is Contexts and Dependency Injection which is used for simplifies dependency management and handles object lifecycle. It simplifies the dependency between different parts of an application. It makes java applications more flexible, modular and easier to maintain.

6. JAAS

JAAS is known as Java Authentication and Authorization Service, is a java security framework which is used to authenticate users and control access in applications. It helps in ensuring that only authorized users can access certain parts of the system. It verifies the users identity using username, password and other methods.

7. JDBC

JDBC stands for Java Database Connectivity, a java API that allows applications to connect the Databases, send queries and retrieve data. It helps java programs interact with database like MySQL, Oracle, SQL Server. It fetches and process data from the database.

8. Managed Beans

Managed Beans is a simple Java class that is automatically created and managed by the Java EE container. It is mainly used in JSF and CDI to handle business logic and user interactions on web applications. It holds user input and processes actions.

9. Bean Validation

Bean Validation is used to validate user input and data in java applications. It ensures that data follows specific rules. it checks if input values meets the required condition. Bean validation uses simple notations like @NotNull, @Size and @Pattern.

10. Application Client

An Application Client in Java EE is a standalone Java Program that runs on a user's computer and connects to Java EE server to use enterprise services like EJB , JPA, JMS. It runs separately from the web applications. It can retrieve or send data to the main applications.

JEE VS JSE

Applications of JEE

Web Applications

• It is used for dynamic websites, portals and dashboards.
• Examples: E-commerce sites like Amazon, built using Java EE technologies like Servlets, JSP and JSF.

Enterprise Applications

• Large-scale business applications used by organizations for managing operations.
• Examples: ERP ( Enterprise Resource Planning) and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems.

Banking and financial Application

• Secure applications for online banking, stock trading and financial transactions.
• Examples: Net banking portals, credit card processing systems like visa, Mastercard etc.

Cloud - Based Applications

• Java EE supports microservices architecture and cloud deployments using Docker.
• Examples: SAAS (Software as a Service) platforms like Salesforce.

Healthcare Systems

• Java EE used for hospital management, electronic medical records and telemedicine.
• Examples: Health information system used by hospitals.

Conclusion

To sum it up, Java Enterprise Edition is a powerful platform for building secure, scalable and enterprise-level applications. It extends Java SE with features like Web development, database management and security, making it deal for business, banking and cloud applications. JEE integrate with modern frameworks ensure high performance and reliability.