Java EE 7 and Java SE 7 are both significant releases in the Java ecosystem, each bringing its own set of features and improvements. This article provides a comprehensive comparison between the two to help you understand their differences and use cases.

Key Differences

1. Platform Scope

  • Java EE 7: Designed for enterprise-level development, including web applications, EJBs, JPA, JSF, etc.
  • Java SE 7: The foundation for Java applications, including core Java features like the JVM, Collections, I/O, etc.

2. Features

  • Java EE 7:
    • Improved WebSockets API
    • Support for JSON Processing
    • Enhanced Java Persistence API (JPA)
    • Java API for RESTful Web Services (JAX-RS) 2.1
  • Java SE 7:
    • Lambda Expressions
    • New File I/O API
    • NavigableMap and NavigableSet
    • Improved Fork/Join Framework

3. Performance

  • Java EE 7: Generally, Java EE applications run on servers optimized for enterprise use, which can lead to better performance.
  • Java SE 7: Performance depends on the application and environment. It provides a solid foundation for Java applications.

Use Cases

  • Java EE 7: Ideal for developing enterprise-level applications, especially those requiring robust web and transactional capabilities.
  • Java SE 7: Suitable for general-purpose Java applications, including desktop, mobile, and server-side applications.

Additional Resources

For more information on Java EE and Java SE, check out the following resources:

Java EE and Java SE Architecture

In conclusion, both Java EE 7 and Java SE 7 offer a wealth of features and improvements for Java developers. The choice between the two depends on the specific requirements of your project.