Java is a class-based programming language, though derived from C and C++, is a strictly object-oriented computer language used for desktop applications and development of games etc. On the other hand, J2EE is based on Java programming language and is mainly used for the purpose of web applications and services.
Java vs J2EE
The main difference between Java and J2EE is that Java is highly influenced by the C language. It is a programming language that is mainly derived from C and C++, though is a simpler version than them. On the other hand, J2EE is based on Java and is a computing platform that allows developed software to run.
Comparison Table Between Java and J2EE (in Tabular Form)
| Parameter of Comparison | Java | J2EE |
|---|---|---|
| Terminology | Java, also known as Java SE stands for Java Standard Edition used to describe Core Java. | Originally known as Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition or J2EE; Java EE, i.e. Java Enterprise Edition is now changed to Java Platform, Enterprise Edition or Java EE in version 5. |
| Use | Used mainly for developing applications (desktop) | Used mainly for developing web-based enterprise applications that can be used for both desktop and websites. |
| Components | It has three main components i.e. Java Virtual Machine (JVM), Java Development Kit (JDK), and Java Runtime Environment (JRE) | It contains Servlets and JavaServer Pages (JSPs), Enterprise JavaBeans (EJBs) and Java Database Connectivity (JDBC). |
| Platform | Java is one of the most famous high-level programming languages which is used to develop content for the web. It’s designed to run on all JVM-compliant platforms and is considered as a simplified version of C++. | One of the main core technologies of Java is J2EE. Its main use is to create server applications such as websites and web applications. |
| First versions | First version of the Java Development Kit (JDK) came from JDK Alpha and Beta in 1995. | The First version of J2EE came in May 1998 by the name JPE while the next came in December 12, 1999 by the name J2EE 1.2. |
What is Java?
One of the most popular and known languages that is present everywhere is Java. starting from web applications, web services, laptops, computers to games, supercomputers, mobile phones and almost everywhere.
Initially it was developed as a software to be used in electronic devices such as remote controls, microwave, etc. It was developed by James Gosling at Sun Microsystems in 1991.
The main idea behind was to create a language that worked neutral in different environments in different CPUs. This gave rise to Java which became one of the most famous and powerful programming languages in today’s world.
One of the amazing features of this language is that it has fewer implementation dependencies and can be developed on any device. Java can be assembled into one standard bytecode which can work on all devices with a prebuilt Java Virtual Machine (JVM).
It is very convenient and easy to use and hence able to run on all JVM-compliant machines, making the program run on any platform irrespective of the architecture.
What is J2EE?
Originally known as Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition; Java EE (Java Platform, Enterprise Edition) was developed by Sun Microsystems, later acquired by Oracle Corporation. It developed 3 computing languages i.e. Java EE (Java Platform, Enterprise Edition), Java Standard Edition (Java SE) and Java Micro Edition (Java ME).
J2EE is an extension of the Java SE i.e. it is developed using Java programming language. It is used for developing web-based applications.
It comprises a set of APIs, facilities, and customs that helps in developing multi-tiered internet applications. It includes several technologies such as Servlets, Enterprise JavaBeans, etc.
It’s principally used for applications that can be obtained easily through browsers like Chrome, Firefox, etc. Additionally, It is used for developing internet related applications on WWW (World Wide Web) by creating standardized modular components.
The design of J2EE makes sure that developers do not face many complexities while developing applications through its services. As a result, they are able to create patterns for greater efficiency and reliability. It has some set of APIs and Java EE core technologies making it very powerful.
Main Differences Between Java and J2EE
- Java, also known as Java SE stands for Java Standard Edition used to describe Core Java whereas Originally known as Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition or J2EE; Java EE, i.e. Java Enterprise Edition is now changed to Java Platform, Enterprise Edition or Java EE in version 5.
- Java is used mainly for developing applications (desktop) while J2EE is used mainly for developing web-based enterprise applications that can be used for both desktop and websites
- Java has three main components i.e. Java Virtual Machine (JVM), Java Development Kit (JDK), and Java Runtime Environment (JRE). J2EE contains Servlets and Java Server Pages (JSPs), Enterprise JavaBeans (EJBs) and Java Database Connectivity (JDBC).
- Java is one of the most famous high-level programming languages which is used to develop content for the web. It’s designed to run on all JVM-compliant platforms and is considered as a simplified version of C++. Whereas one of the main core technologies of Java is J2EE. Its main use is to create server applications such as websites and web applications.
- First version of the Java Development Kit (JDK) came from JDK Alpha and Beta in 1995 and the First version of J2EE came in May 1998 by the name JPE while the next came on December 12, 1999 by the name J2EE 1.2.
Conclusion
It can be seen how programming languages play an important role in developing applications over desktop and web. It provides us with web-based applications. Java is the direct simplified version of the C and C++ programming language and J2EE is the main core technologies of Java.
Both of them are made not to replace each other in the programming market, but for the people to adapt one depending on their preferences and uses for the same. Both of them work wonders on their own.
References
- https://ptgmedia.pearsoncmg.com/imprint_downloads/informit/sun/032124575X.pdf
- https://dl.acm.org/doi/fullHtml/10.1145/777313.777343