Apache Struts is a popular open-source web application framework that has been widely used for developing Java-based web applications. However, as technology evolves and new frameworks emerge, developers have started exploring alternatives to Struts to meet their evolving needs. In this article, we will explore the top 10 Struts alternatives and competitors in 2024, highlighting their key features and advantages.

1. Spring MVC

Spring MVC is a robust and highly customizable web application framework that is part of the larger Spring Framework ecosystem. It provides a flexible model-view-controller architecture for building Java-based web applications. Spring MVC offers various features such as powerful dependency injection, declarative transaction management, and easy integration with other Spring modules. With its extensive community support and rich set of features, Spring MVC stands out as a strong alternative to Struts.

2. JavaServer Faces (JSF)

JavaServer Faces (JSF) is a component-based web application framework that simplifies the development of Java-based user interfaces. It provides a rich set of reusable UI components and an event-driven programming model. JSF supports various libraries and frameworks, making it highly customizable and adaptable to different project requirements. Its seamless integration with Java EE technologies and support for AJAX make JSF a popular choice as a Struts alternative.

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3. Play Framework

Play Framework is a lightweight and reactive web application framework that follows a non-blocking, event-driven architecture. It focuses on developer productivity and provides streamlined APIs for building scalable and high-performance web applications. Play Framework offers features such as hot reloading, asynchronous programming, and RESTful routing. With its emphasis on modern web development practices and performance, Play Framework is an attractive alternative to Struts.

4. Vaadin

Vaadin is a full-stack web application framework that allows developers to build rich, interactive user interfaces using Java or Kotlin. It follows a component-based architecture and provides a comprehensive set of UI components for creating modern web applications. Vaadin enables seamless client-server communication and supports data binding, event handling, and theming capabilities. With its focus on productivity and ease of use, Vaadin is a compelling alternative to Struts.

5. Spark Framework

Spark Framework is a lightweight and expressive web application framework that emphasizes simplicity and minimalism. It provides a straightforward API for building RESTful web services and applications. Spark Framework supports various templating engines, making it easy to generate dynamic HTML content. It also offers support for middleware, filters, and other advanced features. With its lightweight nature and simplicity, Spark Framework is a viable alternative for developers seeking a more lightweight alternative to Struts.

6. JHipster

JHipster is a development platform that combines Spring Boot, Angular, and other popular technologies to create modern web applications. It focuses on generating high-quality code and providing a robust development environment. JHipster includes features such as a powerful command-line interface, code generation from UML diagrams, and integrated security mechanisms. With its ability to quickly scaffold applications and support for modern front-end frameworks, JHipster stands out as a versatile alternative to Struts.

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7. Micronaut

Micronaut is a lightweight and high-performance JVM-based framework that aims to optimize the development experience and runtime performance. It follows a compile-time approach, which reduces reflection-based activities and improves startup time and memory footprint. Micronaut offers features such as dependency injection, declarative HTTP client, and native image support for fast startup times. With its focus on performance and developer productivity, Micronaut is a strong contender as a Struts alternative.

8. Quarkus

Quarkus is a Kubernetes-native Java framework that is designed for cloud-native and serverless application development. It focuses on providing fast startup times, low memory usage, and high-density deployments. Quarkus leverages GraalVM's native image compilation to create lightweight and efficient executables. It also supports various Java frameworks and libraries, making it easy to migrate existing applications. With its cloud-native approach and performance optimizations, Quarkus is an intriguing alternative for Struts users.

9. Spring Boot

Spring Boot is a popular framework that simplifies the development of stand-alone, production-grade Spring-based applications. It provides out-of-the-box solutions for common application requirements such as configuration, dependency management, and monitoring. Spring Boot offers seamless integration with other Spring modules and supports various web development approaches. Its extensive ecosystem and strong community support make Spring Boot a reliable alternative to Struts.

10. Dropwizard

Dropwizard is a lightweight and opinionated framework that enables developers to quickly build RESTful web services. It combines various libraries and tools, such as Jetty, Jersey, and Jackson, to provide a streamlined development experience. Dropwizard focuses on simplicity and convention over configuration, making it easy to get started with building web services. With its lightweight nature and emphasis on RESTful architectures, Dropwizard is a viable alternative to Struts.

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In conclusion, while Apache Struts has been a popular choice for Java-based web application development, there are several alternatives and competitors in 2024 that offer different features and cater to evolving needs. Whether you prefer the flexibility and extensive features of Spring MVC, the component-based architecture of JavaServer Faces (JSF), or the lightweight and reactive nature of Play Framework, there are numerous choices available to suit your specific requirements. Consider factors such as project complexity, performance, and ease of use to determine the best Struts alternative or competitor that aligns with your development goals.