5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Spring Framework | Drawbacks & Benefits of Spring Framework

Spring framework is one of the open source frameworks that can be used to develop web applications. Since its release, it has got overwhelming response from the Java community. 

Spring framework makes it easy for every developer. i.e. the developers can save significant amount of time by writing fewer lines of codes. This framework intends to make the apps more productive in many ways. However, this also comes with certain setbacks that developers needs to keep in mind. In order to get the desired output, you must know the pros and cons of spring framework.

In this article, you will get the information on 5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Spring Framework | Drawbacks & Benefits of Spring Framework. Through this post, you will know the pros and cons of using Spring framework.

Let's get started,

Advantages of Spring Framework

1. Lightweight

Spring allows you to create enterprise level applications through a Java method known as Plain Old Java Object (POJO). In POJO, you are not required to use an application server. Instead it provides the option to use a robust servlet container. For an example :- Tomcat. This is the reason why Spring is a light weight framework.

2. Configurations

Spring follows a separate way of configuration including for application logic. For instance, developers can either choose XML or Java based annotations. As a result, you can achieve more consistency with Spring.

3. Server Requirement

Spring framework does not require you to use neither an application or web server. Usually, a DI is used to manage components. It comes with a lightweight container that is located near the core. To start the container process, it doesn't need any activation from the server.

4. Reinvent Requirement

Some technologies like JDK timers, ORM and lagging frameworks are already included with Spring. Hence, you are not required to learn separately or define codes for those technologies. Developers can build applications by leveraging from Spring.

5. Classes & Packages

Another important benefit of Spring framework is the modules that it offers. Developers have lots of options in terms of classes and packages. They have the authority to use or deny them. Some of the modules are, Spring ORM, JDBC, MVC, transactions etc... Depending upon the application, each of them can be used effectively. 

Disadvantages of Spring Framework

1. Learning Curve

Spring is not user friendly when it comes to new developers. This is because Spring is incorporated with entirely new programming approach. If you are new to this framework, you might have hard time learning this. Your company needs to opt for other frameworks if the project involves lots of development experience.

2. Security

Threats such as Cross bite scripting and XSS are very common in applications. Now the problem lies within the documentation part of Spring. It does not provide sufficient guidelines to deal with these threats. Without proper security measures, hackers can easily infiltrate the apps. 

3. Complexity

Spring framework consists of large number of variables. Such vast amount of tools and classes makes it more complicated. Therefore, the development team must be only be included with an experienced panel who has high skills and expertise with this framework.

4. Parallel Mechanisms

Wide range of applications provided by the Spring framework may create confusion among developers. The responsibility lies in the developer to the choose the right option. Otherwise, there can be some significant delays.

5. XML Requirement

Developers must understand that working with Spring requires enormous amount of XML. Due to this large amount, they must be ready to allocate separate time for coding.