Payara vs Spring Boot: What are the differences?

Introduction

This article will outline the key differences between Payara and Spring Boot, two popular technologies used for building web applications.

1. Runtime Environment: Payara is a full Java EE (Enterprise Edition) application server that supports the complete Java EE specification, including APIs, security features, and enterprise-grade features like clustering and high availability. On the other hand, Spring Boot is a lightweight framework that uses an embedded servlet container and only includes the necessary dependencies to run Spring-based applications.

2. Configuration: Payara relies on configuration files (such as domain.xml and glassfish-resources.xml) to define the server's resources, security settings, and other configurations. In contrast, Spring Boot uses application properties or YAML files to configure the application, providing a more flexible and concise approach to configuration.

3. Dependency Injection: Payara utilizes the CDI (Contexts and Dependency Injection) framework for dependency injection, which is part of the Java EE specification. This allows for easy management and injection of dependencies within the application. Spring Boot, on the other hand, uses its own dependency injection framework called Spring IoC (Inversion of Control), which provides similar functionality but is not tied to the Java EE specification.

4. Development Philosophy: Payara follows a convention-over-configuration approach, where developers can rely on sensible defaults and naming conventions for their applications. This allows for faster development and fewer configuration requirements. In contrast, Spring Boot embraces a "configuration-over-convention" philosophy, giving developers more control over configuration and allowing for highly customizable applications.

5. Community and Ecosystem: Payara has a smaller but dedicated community and ecosystem compared to Spring Boot. Spring Boot has a large and active community, with extensive documentation, tutorials, and third-party libraries available. This vibrant community makes it easier to find support, resources, and solutions to common problems when using Spring Boot.

6. Skillset and Learning Curve: Payara requires a solid understanding of Java EE technologies and standards, as it focuses on providing a complete Java EE runtime environment. Developers need to be familiar with Java EE concepts and APIs to effectively develop applications using Payara. On the other hand, Spring Boot offers a more lightweight and modular approach, making it easier to learn and use, especially for developers with a background in Spring framework.

In Summary, Payara and Spring Boot differ in their runtime environment, configuration approach, dependency injection framework, development philosophy, community and ecosystem, as well as the required skillset and learning curve.