In the Java ecosystem, two main frameworks stand out for enterprise application development: Jakarta EE (formerly Java EE) and Spring Boot. While both options aim to simplify enterprise Java development, they take distinctly different approaches. This comprehensive comparison will help you make an informed decision on which framework is best suited to support your next project.
Core Philosophy and Design Approach
Aspect
Jakarta EE
Spring Boot
Development Model
Standards-based specifications implemented by vendors
Opinionated “convention over configuration” approach
Governance
Community-driven under Eclipse Foundation
Single vendor (Broadcom) with community support
Primary Focus
Stability and backward compatibility
Developer productivity and faster adoption of modern technologies
Design Philosophy
Standardization across implementations
Rapid application development with sensible defaults
Key Differences
Development Speed and Setup
Spring Boot emphasizes rapid development with its Spring Initializr, pre-configured embedded servers and extensive auto-configuration capabilities. Everything you need comes bundled in a standalone application, making it quick to get started and deploy.
Jakarta EE takes a more traditional approach, requiring explicit configuration and separate runtime setup. While this means more initial setup time, it provides greater control and clarity over your application’s infrastructure.
Flexibility and Control
Both Java frameworks offer flexibility, but in different ways:
Jakarta EE offers:
Standardized approaches to common problems
Clear boundaries between components
Vendor-neutral specifications
Consistent behavior across implementations (mostly)
Spring Boot provides:
Easy integration with third-party libraries
Mix-and-match components as needed
Extensive configuration options
Rich ecosystem of Spring projects
Enterprise Features
Feature Category
Jakarta EE
Spring Boot
Security
Comprehensive built-in features
Flexible security framework
Transaction Management
Robust built-in support
Spring Transaction abstraction
Cloud Integration
Emerging cloud-native support
Extensive cloud-native capabilities
Microservices Support
Available through MicroProfile
Native support via Spring Cloud
When to Choose Each Framework
Choose Jakarta EE When:
You need standardization across a large organization
Long-term stability is a priority
You want to avoid vendor lock-in
Your team has experience with traditional Java EE
You’re working in a highly regulated environment
You need guaranteed backward compatibility
Choose Spring Boot When:
Rapid development is a priority
You’re building microservices
You want modern development practices out of the box
Your team prefers convention over configuration
You need extensive third-party integrations
You’re building cloud-native applications
Performance Considerations
Both Java frameworks can deliver excellent performance when properly configured. The key differences lie in their operational characteristics:
Jakarta EE provides:
Better runtime performance for large applications
Optimization for long-running processes
Strong support for heavy enterprise workloads
Efficient resource utilization in full application servers
Spring Boot typically offers:
Faster startup times
Smaller memory footprint
Excellence in microservices
Optimization for cloud deployments
Code Example Comparison
Here’s a simple REST endpoint in both frameworks:
Jakarta EE:
@Path("/greeting") @RequestScoped public class GreetingResource {
@GET @Produces(MediaType.APPLICATION_JSON) public Response getGreeting() { return Response.ok(new Greeting("Hello, Jakarta EE!")).build(); } }
Spring Boot:
@RestController @RequestMapping("/greeting") public class GreetingController {
@GetMapping public Greeting getGreeting() { return new Greeting("Hello, Spring Boot!"); } }
Learning Curve
Jakarta EE has a steeper initial learning curve but offers a more structured learning path. Its standardized approach means that once you understand the core concepts, they apply consistently across different implementations.
Spring Boot generally offers an easier entry point for modern Java developers, with extensive documentation and community resources. However, mastering the entire Spring ecosystem can take considerable time due to its vast scope and frequent updates.
Future Outlook
Both frameworks are actively evolving to meet modern development needs:
Jakarta EE is:
Moving towards cloud-native features
Continuing standardization efforts
Focusing on modernization while maintaining stability
Growing its adoption in the cloud-native space
Spring Boot is:
Leading innovation in cloud-native development
Continuing to focus on developer productivity
Strengthening integration with modern tools and practices
Expanding its microservices capabilities
Navigating organisational changes as Broadcom acquired VMware (and thus Spring), though development and community support remain active
The Spring ecosystem’s transition to Broadcom ownership has sparked discussions in the community, but the framework’s open-source nature and strong community foundation continue to drive its evolution and adoption.
Conclusions
The choice between Jakarta EE and Spring Boot often comes down to specific project requirements and organizational needs. Jakarta EE shines in traditional enterprise environments where standardization and stability are paramount, while Spring Boot excels in rapid development and modern application scenarios.
Consider your team’s expertise, project requirements and long-term maintenance needs when making your decision. Both frameworks are excellent choices when used in their sweet spots, and understanding these differences will help you make the right choice for your specific situation.
Remember that it’s also possible to mix both frameworks in larger organizations, using each where it makes the most sense. The key is to align your choice with your specific use case rather than following general trends.
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