Java EE vs Java SE: Has Oracle Given up on Enterprise Software?

Java EE, built on Java SE, is a specification for enterprise Java extensions that is often misunderstood as heavyweight, despite being designed for lightweight performance. The Java EE 8 release, facing delays due to Oracle's shifting priorities, has sparked community-driven initiatives like the Java EE Guardians advocating for open standards and collaboration. Java EE differs from Java SE by providing enterprise-level extensions and is not a standalone implementation but a specification with implementations from vendors like Oracle, RedHat, and IBM. Challenges include licensing issues and delays caused by Oracle's focus on cloud services, leading to concerns about the future of Java EE. Despite these issues, Java EE remains a crucial part of the Java ecosystem with many committed contributors. The Java EE Guardians, founded by Reza Rahman, aim to ensure the community takes a more active role in its development, highlighting the need for broader community involvement to compensate for Oracle's diminished activity.