Software Alternatives & Startups

Spring Security VS Apache Struts

Compare Spring Security VS Apache Struts and see what are their differences

Spring Security

The Spring portfolio has many projects, including Spring Framework, Spring IO Platform, Spring Cloud, Spring Boot, Spring Data, Spring Security...

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
Apache Struts

Apache Struts is an open-source web application framework for developing Java EE web applications.

Rating
0 reviews
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Spring Security should be more popular than Apache Struts. It has been mentioned 13 times since March 2021.

social mentions
13 vs 2
Application Utilities popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
101 vs 113

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

Spring Security
Apache Struts
Website spring.io struts.apache.org
Pricing
Open source
—
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Spring Security 8 features
Apache Struts 5 features
  • Comprehensive Security Features
    Spring Security offers a wide range of security features including authentication, authorization, and protection against common attacks like CSRF and XSS.
  • Integration with Spring Ecosystem
    Seamless integration with the Spring Framework, allowing easy configuration and use within existing Spring applications.
  • Customizable
    Highly customizable, allowing developers to extend and tweak the default behavior to meet specific project needs.
  • Active Community and Support
    Backed by a large community and extensive documentation, offering numerous resources for troubleshooting and learning.
  • Declarative Security
    Supports declarative security via annotations and configuration, simplifying the process of securing applications.
  • Comprehensive Testing Support
    Provides utilities and support for comprehensive security testing, ensuring that your security configurations work as expected.
  • Strong Access Control
    Offers robust access control mechanisms, allowing fine-grained permission settings for different users and roles.
  • OAuth2 and OpenID Connect Support
    Built-in support for OAuth2 and OpenID Connect protocols, making it easier to implement modern security practices.

Possible disadvantages

  • Complexity
    The extensive feature set and configuration options can make Spring Security overly complex, especially for beginners.
  • Steep Learning Curve
    Due to its comprehensive nature, there is a steep learning curve, which can be time-consuming for new developers.
  • Configuration Overhead
    Significant time and effort may be required to properly configure all security aspects, particularly for large applications.
  • Performance Overhead
    The additional security layers can introduce some performance overhead, which could be significant in high-traffic applications.
  • Dependency on Spring Framework
    Tightly coupled with the Spring Framework, which limits its usage in non-Spring-based applications.
  • Frequent Updates
    Frequent updates and changes may require regular maintenance and adaptation in order to stay up-to-date.
  • Limited Support for Non-Web Applications
    Primarily designed for web applications, with fewer features and less support for non-web environments.
  • Verbose Configuration
    XML and Java-based configuration can be verbose and cumbersome, leading to potential misconfigurations.
  • Robust Framework
    Apache Struts is a mature and well-established framework for Java web applications, providing stable and reliable tools for enterprise-level applications.
  • MVC Architecture
    Struts adheres to the Model-View-Controller (MVC) design pattern, which separates business logic, presentation, and navigation, making code maintenance and development easier.
  • Extensive Documentation
    Struts has comprehensive documentation and a wealth of online resources, including tutorials, community forums, and user guides, which can support developers throughout their projects.
  • Rich Tag Library
    It comes with a rich set of custom tags that enhance the JSP (JavaServer Pages) to create dynamic web content easily.
  • Plugin Support
    Apache Struts supports various plugins that can extend its functionality, allowing developers to integrate additional features without much effort.

Possible disadvantages

  • Steep Learning Curve
    New developers might find Struts challenging to learn due to its complexity and the need for a good understanding of the MVC architecture and Java web application development.
  • Configuration Overhead
    The framework requires extensive XML configuration, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming compared to convention-over-configuration frameworks.
  • Performance
    Struts can be slower than some newer, lighter frameworks due to its broader feature set and the overhead associated with its extensive configuration.
  • Security Vulnerabilities
    Struts has had notable security vulnerabilities in the past. Although patches and updates are available, it necessitates proactive monitoring and maintenance.
  • Outdated Compared to Modern Frameworks
    With the advent of modern frameworks like Spring MVC and JavaServer Faces, some developers consider Struts to be less up-to-date with the latest web development standards and practices.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

Spring Security
Apache Struts

No analysis of Spring Security yet.

Overall verdict

  • Apache Struts is a robust framework, suitable for building Java-based web applications, but it's crucial to stay vigilant regarding security updates.

Why this product is good

  • Apache Struts is known for its MVC framework, which is useful for creating well-structured and maintainable Java applications. It provides a range of comprehensive features like a flexible tag library, integration with other Java frameworks, and a strong support community. However, it has faced some high-profile security vulnerabilities in the past, underscoring the importance of keeping the framework timely updated.

Recommended for

  • Organizations developing enterprise-level Java applications
  • Developers familiar with Java and looking for a robust MVC framework
  • Teams interested in integrating their web applications with other Java technologies

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Spring Security 2 videos + Add
Apache Struts 3 videos + Add

Spring Security 17 Security Context Holder

More videos

  • - Spring security password encoding and DelegatingPasswordEncoder

Finding and Fixing Apache Struts CVE-2017-5638 with Black Duck Hub

More videos

  • - Apache Struts 2 - remote command execution
  • - Dark ambient drone music | Vulnerable Apache Struts installation under attack (Java, Jakarta)

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
Spring Security
Apache Struts
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

Spring Security no reviews yet
Apache Struts no reviews yet

We have no reviews of Spring Security yet. Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

Spring Security 13 mentions
Apache Struts 2 mentions
  • Secure Your Spring API With JWT and MongoDB
    We’re going to build a small, secure API with Spring Security and store user data in MongoDB. Spring Security already knows how to handle JWTs via the OAuth2 Resource Server support, so we’ll lean on that instead of writing custom filters. - Source: dev.to / about 1 year ago
  • March 2025 Java Key Updates in Boot, Security, and More
    The third milestone release of Spring Security 6.5.0 introduces new features such as:. - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • Unveiling the Success Behind Spring Security: Open Source Business Models, Funding, and Community
    In conclusion, Spring Security is much more than a security framework for Java—it is a testament to what can be achieved when transparency, community engagement, and strategic funding intersect. The framework’s evolution reflects the... - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago

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Alternatives to Spring Security and Apache Struts

When comparing Spring Security and Apache Struts, you can also consider the following products.