JContainer.org aims to become the first place Java programmers look for information on component-oriented and container-driven development. Its goals include providing a clearinghouse of design and research papers on container architecture as well as a detailed listing of the various Java containers available today.
Containers
Loom
Loom is a micro-kernel designed and implemented on top of the DNA framework and supports components developed using the Apache Avalon Framework (http://avalon.apache.org). Loom provides a number of facilities to manage the environment of Server Applications. Such facilities include log management, classloading, thread management and security. In the future it will conditionally support extra facilities such as central server management, server pools, and other facilities aimed at reducing the time to market. The API defines a standard method of piecing together server components and creating a server. In the future Loom will support DNA (http://dna.codehaus.org) and Pico components.
Pico
Pico Container is a Codehaus container project. Pico differs from other projects in that it supports an extremely lightweight component framework that is based on patterns rather than implementing Pico interfaces. Pico components are distinguished by the fact that all resources a component needs are provided via the constructor.
Plexus
Plexus is another Codehaus container project. Plexus supports several different component personalities including Apache Avalon Framework (http://avalon.apache.org). . Plexus will soon support Pico and DNA (http://dna.codehaus.org) components.
Keel
Keel is a meta-framework which incorporates multiple open source projects to provide you with a best of breed framework based on Avalon.
Carbon
http://carbon.sourceforge.net/
Fortress
http://avalon.apache.org/excalibur/fortress