Eclipse Jetty is a web container and HTTP client library that provides server and client implementations supporting HTTP/3, HTTP/2, HTTP/1, WebSocket, servlets, and related protocols.
Jetty addresses the need for a flexible, embeddable Java web server and client capable of handling modern HTTP standards. The project implements a full servlet container alongside standalone HTTP client functionality, allowing developers to either embed it within applications or deploy it as a standalone server. Its architecture supports multiple HTTP protocol versions concurrently, enabling gradual migration paths and broad compatibility with diverse client and server environments.
Developers should consider Jetty for applications requiring an embedded web server, particularly those needing HTTP/3 or HTTP/2 support or planning to run on the Java Platform Module System. The project suits scenarios where a lightweight, customizable container is preferable to heavier alternatives, and where client-side HTTP functionality must be tightly integrated with server logic. Organizations already invested in the Jakarta EE ecosystem will find Jetty's servlet support and standards compliance valuable.
The project maintains steady development activity with regular commits across multiple areas of the codebase. Work spans protocol implementations, client and server components, and infrastructure concerns including module system support and OSGi compatibility. The maintainers actively address issues and incorporate improvements across the full stack, from low-level HTTP handling to higher-level servlet and WebSocket functionality.
