== Java EE Containers ==

''Containers'' are the interface between a component and the low-level platform-specific functionality that supports the component. Before a web, enterprise bean, or application client component can be executed, it must be assembled into a Java EE module and deployed into its container.

 {{attachment:overview-serverAndContainers.gif}}

The assembly process involves specifying container settings for each component in the Java EE application and for the Java EE application itself. Container settings customize the underlying support provided by the Java EE server, including services such as security, transaction management, Java Naming and Directory InterfaceTM (JNDI) lookups, and remote connectivity.

''Java EE server:'' The runtime portion of a Java EE product. A Java EE server provides EJB and web containers.

''Enterprise Java``Beans (EJB) container:'' Manages the execution of enterprise beans for Java EE applications. Enterprise beans and their container run on the Java EE server.

''Web container:'' Manages the execution of JSP page and servlet components for Java EE applications. Web components and their container run on the Java EE server.

''Application client container:'' Manages the execution of application client components. Application clients and their container run on the client.

''Applet container:'' Manages the execution of applets. Consists of a web browser and Java Plug-in running on the client together.
