Are Java Servlets still used?

Yes, Java Servlets are still widely used in web development, and they continue to be an integral part of the Java EE (Enterprise Edition, now known as Jakarta EE) and Jakarta Servlet technologies. While newer frameworks and technologies have emerged, Java Servlets remain a foundational and reliable technology for building server-side components in web applications. Here are some reasons why Java Servlets are still used: Robustness and Stability: Java Servlets are known for their robustness and stability. They have been used in production environments for many years, demonstrating their reliability in handling web requests and managing server-side logic. Enterprise Adoption: Many large enterprises have existing applications and systems built using Java Servlets. The compatibility of servlets with legacy systems makes them a practical choice for organizations with established Java-based infrastructures. Scalability: Servlets are designed to handle a large number of concurrent requests efficiently, making them suitable for applications with high traffic volumes. Their scalability is crucial for building web applications that serve a large user base. Mature Ecosystem: Java Servlets benefit from a mature ecosystem of libraries, frameworks, and tools. The availability of complementary technologies, such as JavaServer Faces (JSF), Spring MVC, and Apache Struts, enhances the capabilities of servlet-based applications. Portability: Java's "Write Once, Run Anywhere" philosophy allows servlets to be platform-independent. Servlets can be deployed on any server that supports Java, providing portability across different operating systems. Community Support: Java has a large and active developer community. The community support, documentation, and resources available for Java Servlets contribute to their continued use and the sharing of best practices. Integration with Java EE and Jakarta EE: Java Servlets are part of the broader Java EE and Jakarta EE specifications, which provide a set of standardized APIs for building enterprise-level applications. Servlets can be seamlessly integrated with other Java EE/Jakarta EE technologies, such as Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB) and Java Message Service (JMS). Backward Compatibility: Servlet APIs are designed with backward compatibility in mind. Existing servlet-based applications can often benefit from updates and improvements in newer versions of the Servlet API without significant code changes. Versatility: Java Servlets are versatile and can be used in various types of web applications, from small-scale projects to large-scale enterprise solutions. Their versatility allows developers to use servlets in a wide range of application scenarios. While newer technologies like Spring Boot and microservices architectures have gained popularity, Java Servlets continue to have a place in the development landscape. Many web frameworks, including Spring MVC and Jakarta Server Faces, are built on top of the Servlet API, leveraging its capabilities while providing additional features and abstractions for developers. The choice of using Java Servlets often depends on the specific requirements of the project, the preferences of the development team, and the existing technology stack. read less