What are the modern alternatives to Java Servlets?

Everything that used to fall under `javax.servlet` has now moved to the `Jakarta.servlet` package. This change was part of a modular shift from Java EE to Jakarta EE. Check out the updated documentation for all the new standards. If you're looking into frameworks, most modern web applications are built using Spring Boot, which allows you to create servlets either in a WAR file or as a self-contained server in a JAR. You might also want to look at alternatives like Quarkus, which steps away from traditional servlets altogether.

Modern frameworks have moved quite a bit towards client-side solutions with the rise of technologies like React and Angular. This isn’t to say servlets are obsolete; they still play a role. However, over the past decade, the trend has been toward more lightweight solutions, like server as a function frameworks, which treat HTTP handlers like functions. In Java, while there's not a one-to-one equivalent to some newer paradigms, libraries like SparkJava and others offer flexibility without the baggage of traditional servlet development.

Servlets have actually been around for a long time for a reason—they work! They’re part of the broader Jakarta EE framework, which is still relevant. If you're looking for something lightweight, check out frameworks like Helidon, which offer a more modular approach compared to traditional servlets. Or you might want to explore JAX-RS for creating RESTful services, as it has become a common choice for modern Java applications.

There's still a functional role for servlets, but if you're asking for modern alternatives, frameworks that abstract servlets might be what you're looking for. JAX-RS is built on top of servlets, so while it models APIs, you'll still need servlet APIs for handling requests. It's worth noting that while old technologies are often seen as outdated, they’re still effective. Some argue for the need for frameworks that align with newer paradigms, like serverless computing. But at the end of the day, if servlets work for you, there's no immediate necessity to shift.

Even though servlets remain a fundamental part of web applications in Jakarta EE, developers are leaning more towards frameworks like Spring that provide higher-level abstractions. JAX-RS is definitely worth exploring if you're looking to handle REST APIs, but frameworks like Spring WebFlux and Quarkus are coming into their own, offering reactive programming models that might suit your needs better. Just remember, what you're comfortable with and the requirements of your projects should guide your choices.