Java Web Framework: 7 Top Picks for 2025

Java Web Framework helps speed up progress, optimize processes, and ensure stability. In 2025, the Java ecosystem will still maintain its leading position with a variety of frameworks. It includes full-stack and micro-frameworks. They flexibly meet all needs from large enterprise projects to compact applications. 

Explore the article below to follow the most typical Java web framework, and analyze the advantages and disadvantages. And suggest the right choice so that you can maximize the power of Java in modern web development.

What is a Java Web Framework?

Java web framework is a structured collection of tools and libraries that simplify the process of building web applications using Java. Instead of writing every function from scratch, programmers can use the framework to handle common tasks. Such as HTTP request management, security, and database connectivity. 

Thanks to reusable components and standardized processes, the framework helps speed up development and improve work efficiency. In addition, it ensures that the application is scalable, easy to maintain, and secure.

Java web framework is generally divided into two main categories:

• Full-stack Frameworks: Provide a comprehensive solution, supporting both backend and Java frontend frameworks (e.g, Spring, JSF, Vaadin).
• Micro-frameworks: Lightweight, flexible, focused on only one specific part. Well suited for microservices or small-scale applications (e.g, Micronaut, Spark).

Why Use Java Web Frameworks for the Backend?

A Java server framework can handle millions of user interactions securely and efficiently. Here are the main reasons why Java backend frameworks are popular:

• Increased development productivity: Backend frameworks are designed with pre-built modules and powerful configuration support. Integration of REST APIs and ORM tools (e.g., Hibernate) helps developers avoid rewriting repetitive code.
• Advanced security: Features like role-based access, built-in authentication, and protection against common web vulnerabilities (CSRF, XSS, SQL injection, etc.). Java helps build applications that are almost 100% secure without causing any disruption.
• Scalability and performance: It is suitable for backend systems that need to handle large volumes of traffic and data. With support for reactive programming and performance optimization through the JVM.  Web application framework Java like Vert.x or Spring WebFlux make the backend fast and stable.
• Strong ecosystem and community support: Java has one of the largest developer communities in the world. You can easily find documentation, new updates, open source libraries, and technical support. 

The differences between Java and some other popular frameworks in backend development:

Comparing to frameworks like Django or Ruby on Rails to see that Java frameworks stand out in terms of scalability, security, and stability when running large applications.

Java's strong backend capabilities are often more enterprise-friendly than Python or Node.js. But, for beginners or those exploring their career path. You should consider Python or Java - which is better to learn based on your project goals and needs.

Top 7 Java Web Frameworks in 2025

By 2025, Java web frameworks will continue to grow with powerful features, helping developers build web applications more effectively. Choosing the right framework will determine the success and scalability of the project.

1. Spring

Spring is a comprehensive open-source framework for Java. It supports development from simple applications to distributed systems and microservices. In the Java web framework, Spring uses MVC architecture to clearly organize data, interface, and logic. Spring Boot helps initialize quickly, reducing complex configuration.

In addition to the backend, Spring supports RESTful API creation. Easy integration with frontends such as React, Angular. They are suitable for large web applications, cloud-native and microservices.

Key Features

• Dependency Injection (DI): Helps reduce dependencies between classes and increases testability and maintenance.
• Aspect-Oriented Programming (AOP): Separates issues such as logging, security, and transactions.
• Spring Boot: Reduces initial configuration, bootstraps applications quickly with default settings.
• Spring Security: Built-in security, supports authentication, authorization, and prevents common vulnerabilities.
• Spring Data & Spring Cloud: Supports data retrieval and building microservices systems on the cloud platform.

Typical Use Cases: Suitable for developing enterprise web applications with complex backends that require high scalability and security. It supports Spring Boot, Spring Cloud for deployment on Docker and Kubernetes. In addition, it provides RESTful APIs for frontends and mobile applications, suitable for cloud-native applications that require reliability and flexible scalability.

2. JavaServer Faces (JSF)

JavaServer Faces (JSF) is a component-based user interface framework. Launched in 2004 and updated in 2009 with JSF 2, JSF uses Facelets as a template engine and supports AJAX for easier dynamic web development. 

JSF helps combine available interface components, supports reuse through libraries. Suitable for projects that follow the Java EE standard. Taking advantage of existing Java backends without rewriting.

Key features

• Component-based architecture: Build UIs from reusable and extensible components.
• Facelets templating: Provides a powerful template engine, supports AJAX.
• Managed beans: Manage application state and data binding.
• Java EE standards: Ensure portability and cross-platform compatibility.

Typical Use Cases: Enterprise web applications that require rich and highly interactive user interfaces. It is suitable for projects that want to strictly adhere to Java EE standards. Especially those that need to extend or integrate the interface into an existing Java backend without much change.

3. Google Web Toolkit (GWT)

Google Web Toolkit (GWT) is a toolkit developed by Google. They allow programmers to write dynamic web applications in Java. And compile them into JavaScript to run efficiently on any browser.

GWT is suitable for applications with rich user interfaces. and tight control over browser behavior. Helps Java backend teams install frontends efficiently, shortening development time.

Key features

• Java to JavaScript Compiler: Automatically compile Java into JavaScript efficiently.
• Simple RPC Mechanism: Fast and easy-to-configure client-server communication.
• Full-featured Debugging Support: Debug Java before compilation.
• Unit Testing Integration: Easily integrate unit testing.
• Reusable UI Components: Build dynamic, highly interactive interfaces.
• Browser History Management: Control navigation flow.
• Localization & Internationalization: Support multiple languages ​​and localization.

Typical Use Cases: Google Web Toolkit is ideal for web applications with complex interactive user interfaces. It is suitable for Java backend projects that need modern user interfaces without adopting a new language. And adopting web technologies while leveraging the strengths of Java.

4. Hibernate

Hibernate is an ORM framework that simplifies database interaction in web applications. Instead of writing complex SQL statements, programmers can manipulate data through Java objects. They make the source code clearer, easier to reuse, and maintain.

In a Java web development framework. Hibernate acts as an intermediate layer between business logic and the database. Optimizing queries and data processing suitable for systems with complex relational structures.

Key Features:

• Powerful ORM Mapping: Automatically maps Java classes to database tables.
• Automatic table creation: Create tables from classes without writing SQL manually.
• Lazy Loading: Only load data when really needed, helping to increase performance.
• Integrated Caching: Limit repeated queries, reduce load on the database.
• HQL (Hibernate Query Language): Provides a query language like SQL but operates on Java objects.
• Lightweight: Requires minimal configuration and integrates easily with existing Java applications, reducing development overhead

Typical Use Cases: Hibernate is commonly used in medium to large Java web applications. It fits well with frameworks like Spring or Jakarta EE, where efficient data handling and clean, maintainable code are needed.

5. Vaadin

Vaadin is a modern, open-source platform for web application development. It offers rich, interactive user interfaces, making it easier to build dynamic web applications. The platform allows developers to use Java for both frontend and backend development. Both the frontend and backend are built entirely in Java. Simplifying the development process and reducing the dependency on HTML, CSS or JavaScript. Additionally, Vaadin stands out for its easy integration into cross-platform projects, helping to build applications that work consistently across different devices and environments.

Vaadin is suitable for enterprise applications that need complex interfaces. The framework also supports good integration with Spring.  convenient for extending or upgrading the application.

Key Features:

• Java-first development: Write both frontend and backend in Java.
• Rich UI library: More than 40+ ready-made, professional interface components.
• Spring integration: Supports native integration with Spring Boot.
• Optimized client-server communication: Automate most of the communication between the browser and the server.
• Cross-platform support: Support for Progressive Web App (PWA) features for a mobile-like experience without building native apps.

Typical Use Cases: Projects using the Spring framework can extend to the frontend without learning JavaScript. Ideal for management software, dashboards, and ERP/CRM systems built in Java. It is also suitable for web applications that require cross-platform scalability and easy maintenance.

6. Grails

Grails is an open-source Java web framework built on Groovy, SQL, and Java language running on the Java Virtual Machine. Grails features a "convention over configuration" principle to speed up web application development. And reduce complex configuration.

The platform uses GORM (Grails Object Relational Mapping), which provides a powerful ORM layer to interact with databases more easily. Besides, programmers focus on business logic instead of repetitive and cumbersome code.

Key Features:

• Groovy-based development: Take advantage of Groovy's concise, flexible syntax combined with the power of Java.
• GORM: Integrated ORM supports a variety of databases with features such as lazy loading and a query builder.
• Spring Integration: Based on the Spring platform, making it easy to extend and maintain.
• Convention over configuration: Cut configuration, speed up development.

Typical Use Cases: Projects requiring rapid development, enterprise web applications. Systems require flexibility in data management and scalability. Besides, teams leverage both the power of Java and the convenience of the dynamic Groovy language in a synchronized framework.

7. Struts

Struts is an open-source Java framework, widely used for developing enterprise web applications based on Java EE. They apply the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture. And the Convention over configuration principle, which simplifies application design,

Struts provides an extensible plugin architecture. Including plugins supporting REST, AJAX, JSON, and Config Browser. Besides, Struts easily integrates with Spring and Hibernate when building complex systems.

Key Features:

• MVC Architecture: Clear separation between user interface, business logic, and data processing.
• Plugin-based architecture: Supports many plugins to extend functionality, such as REST and AJAX.
• Integration: Easy integration with Spring, Hibernate, and other Java technologies.
• Convention over configuration: Minimizes complex configuration, helps develop faster.

Typical Use Cases: Preferred choice for large enterprise application development projects. Also, development teams that want to take advantage of a feature-rich Java framework and a strong support community.

Criteria to Choose The Right Java Web Frameworks

Choosing a Java web framework should be based on project characteristics and business goals. Here are the key factors that will help you choose the right Java framework.

Project's requirements

Each project has its requirements in terms of features, complexity, and scope. Clearly defining these requirements will help you choose the optimal Java web framework. 

For large enterprise applications, Spring or Struts is suitable due to its scalability and easy integration with other systems. For web applications with complex interfaces, Vaadin or GWT helps build rich UIs and handle client-server communication efficiently.

• Fast development, minimal configuration: Grails with the Groovy language supports fast development. With minimal configuration, very suitable for startups or MVPs.
• Java EE standard applications need to comply with standards: JavaServer Faces (JSF) is the ideal choice for increased portability and ease of maintenance across different Java platforms.

Required Architecture

Project architecture is also a factor in deciding on a Java web framework you wil use. Java web frameworks like Struts and Spring MVC stand out for their outstanding architecture with clear separation of layers. And easy to manage and scale applications. For microservices and cloud-native projects, Spring Boot and Spring Cloud provide tools to build compact services that are easy to deploy on the cloud. 

When the project needs to develop a user interface based on reusable components, JSF or Vaadin is the right choice. In addition, Spring Boot also supports building applications that run efficiently in a serverless environment.

Team skills and learning difficulties

When choosing a framework, consider the skill level of your development team. If your Java team is experienced but not strong in frontend, Vaadin or GWT are suitable choices. Because they can develop interfaces without writing JavaScript. Grails is suitable for rapid development and is easy to learn, thanks to its concise syntax and lack of complex configuration. 

On the other hand, for teams with experience working with complex enterprise systems, Spring and Hibernate are powerful tools. But requires a deeper understanding and a longer learning curve to use effectively.

Performance and scalability

The performance and scalability of an application depend largely on the load and performance requirements. For high-performance APIs, Spring Boot combined with WebFlux, or Micronaut, Vert.x helps to increase response speed and handle large loads efficiently. 

If resource saving is a priority, Micronaut, with its AOT compilation technique, is very suitable for serverless environments or systems with limited resources. For complex multi-component interfaces, Vaadin and JSF support lazy loading. This improves loading speed and user experience when handling complex interfaces.

Real-World Use Cases of Java Web Frameworks

Java web frameworks are widely used in many large systems, ensuring scalability, security, and development efficiency. Below are some typical examples showing their practical impact.

Broadleaf Commerce Using Spring Boot

Broadleaf Commerce is an open-source e-commerce platform built on the Spring Framework. It provides features such as product management, shopping cart, payment, and order management, and supports a microservices architecture for easy scalability.

According to data from BuiltWith, Broadleaf Commerce currently has 311 websites using the platform, of which 35 are live.

Amazon Web Services Using Vaadin

Amazon Web Services (AWS) uses Java in many of its internal services and provides a deployment environment for customers. AWS supports popular Java frameworks such as Spring Boot, JSF, and Vaadin. Uses the AWS Elastic Beanstalk and AWS Lambda platforms. Makes it easy for developers to build and deploy large-scale web applications.

With millions of transactions per day, relying on robust frameworks has enhanced security protocols and maintained an 80% uptime rate. As a result, they maintain customer trust, which directly contributes to their revenue. Which is expected to reach over $469 billion by 2023.

Future Trends in Java Web Frameworks

Java web frameworks are evolving to meet modern needs. Some of the prominent trends include:

• Cloud-Native Support: Java web frameworks like Spring Boot, Micronaut, and Quarkus integrate well with Docker and Kubernetes. They make deployment and scaling easy in cloud environments.
• GraalVM Integration: Helps applications boot faster, consume less memory, and produce lighter binaries. Quarkus and Micronaut are leading this trend, especially with microservices and serverless architectures.
• Serverless Ready: Java frameworks are becoming more lightweight and serverless-friendly. Developers can deploy directly to AWS Lambda, Azure Functions, or Google Cloud Functions.
• Smarter Development Tools: IDEs like IntelliJ, VS Code, and Eclipse are getting better with smart code suggestions. AI-assisted refactoring and live UI previews.

Last Thoughts

In 2025, selecting the right Java web framework means aligning your project needs with the capabilities each tool offers. Whether you're building a high-performance API or an internal dashboard. The Java ecosystem has something powerful for you.

And if you’re working with hybrid stacks. Golden Owl Solutions also provides expert JavaScript development for website development service. Complementing your Java backend with modern, fast, and scalable frontend solutions.

FAQs

Q1. What's the best Java web frameworks  for beginners?

Spring Boot is the best Java framework for beginners. It simplifies configuration, with plenty of documentation and easy-to-understand tutorials.

Q2. Can I use Java for both frontend and backend?

Yes. Java supports full-stack development through tools like Vaadin and Google Web Toolkit (GWT). These help build user interfaces in Java and compile them to HTML/JavaScript.

Q3. Which Java framework is fastest for microservices?

Micronaut is one of the fastest and lightest Java web frameworks for building microservices. With the goal of saving memory and getting up and running quickly, it is well-suited for cloud-native or serverless systems.