Spring is a powerful lightweight application development framework used for Java Enterprise Edition (JEE). In a way, it is a framework of frameworks because it provides support to various frameworks such as Struts, Hibernate, Tapestry, EJB, JSF etc. The framework in broader sense can be defined as a structure using which you can solve many technical problems. You can say that, the Spring Framework is a comprehensive tool for supporting applications using Java programming language.

Roderick B. Johnson, an Australian computer specialist officially released the Spring Framework in 2004. Since its origin, Spring Framework has released many versions. 4.3.8 is the current Spring Framework version.

Features Of Spring Framework

• Lightweight: Spring Framework is lightweight with respect to size and transparency.

• Inversion Of Control (IOC): In Spring Framework, loose coupling is achieved using Inversion of Control. The objects give their own dependencies instead of creating or looking for dependent objects.

• Aspect Oriented Programming (AOP): By separating application business logic from system services, Spring Framework supports Aspect Oriented Programming and enables cohesive development.

• Container: Spring Framework creates and manages the life cycle and configuration of application objects.

• MVC Framework: Spring Framework is a MVC web application framework. This framework is configurable via interfaces and accommodates multiple view technologies.

• Transaction Management: For transaction management, Spring framework provides a generic abstraction layer. It is not tied to J2EE environments and it can be used in container-less environments.

• JDBC Exception Handling: The JDBC abstraction layer of the Spring Framework offers an exception hierarchy, which simplifies the error handling strategy.
  
  Since its origin till date, Spring has spread its popularity across various domains. Spring Framework now is the foundation for various other Spring Projects that have come up in the offerings in the last two to three years. Check the below image to find out various projects undertaken by Spring.