Key Difference Between Java and Java EE
Programming language and computer platform Java. Programs run on platforms. James Gosling led Sun Microsystems to develop Java.
Java includes a virtual machine and an API. Free Java is licensed under the GNU General Public License.
Java vs Java EE Comparison Table
A comparison chart shows the main differences between Java (Standard Edition) and Java EE (Enterprise Edition), currently Jakarta EE:
| Feature | Java (SE) | Java EE (Jakarta EE) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Designed for developing general-purpose applications, desktop applications, and command-line tools. | Specifically tailored for developing enterprise-level applications, particularly distributed, scalable, and secure systems. |
| APIs and Libraries | Provides core APIs and libraries for basic functionalities, such as I/O, networking, and concurrency. | Extends Java SE with additional APIs and libraries specific to enterprise development, including Servlets, JSP, JPA, JMS, and more. |
| Component Model | Emphasizes a modular approach and provides the foundational classes for Java development. | Implements a component-based architecture with components like Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB), Servlets, and JavaServer Faces (JSF). |
| Concurrency Utilities | Provides basic concurrency utilities in the java.util.concurrent package. | Enhances concurrency support with additional features like ManagedExecutorService, ManagedScheduledExecutorService, and more. |
| Web Development | Supports web development using technologies like Servlets and JSP. | Offers advanced web development capabilities with additional technologies such as JSF, JAX-RS, JAX-WS, and CDI. |
| Persistence | Includes basic support for database access with JDBC. | Provides robust persistence support with technologies like Java Persistence API (JPA). |
| Messaging | Basic messaging capabilities with APIs like Java Message Service (JMS). | Extends messaging capabilities with additional features for messaging-driven beans and connectors. |
| Transaction Management | Supports local transactions using the java.sql package. | Implements distributed transaction management with support for both Java Transaction API (JTA) and Java Transaction Service (JTS). |
| Security | Provides standard security features with the java.security package. | Enhances security with additional features for declarative and programmatic security in web and enterprise applications. |
| Enterprise Integration Patterns | Lacks built-in support for enterprise integration patterns. | Offers support for enterprise integration patterns with technologies like Message-Driven Beans (MDB) and Connector Architecture. |
| Profiles | Does not have the concept of profiles. | Introduces the concept of profiles, allowing for different configurations tailored to specific enterprise needs. |
| Packaging | Applications are typically packaged as JAR files. | Enterprise applications are packaged as Enterprise Archive (EAR) files, containing multiple modules like EJB and WAR files. |
| Community and Support | Enjoys a broad and active community support. | Has a dedicated community and support structure with additional resources for enterprise developers. |
| Ownership and Development | Developed and maintained by Oracle. | Originally developed by Sun Microsystems and now transitioned to the Eclipse Foundation under the name Jakarta EE. |
| Naming Changes | No recent naming changes. | Renamed from Java EE to Jakarta EE due to trademark and naming rights issues. |