Is Bean a class or an object?

A Bean in Java can be either a class or an object.

Bean as a class:

• Usually a simple class with private fields and corresponding access methods (getA(), setB()).
• Follows JavaBeans naming conventions:
  • Has a no-argument constructor.
  • Properties are accessible through get and set methods.
  • Boolean properties may use is instead of get.
  • Has public methods with no parameters.

Bean as an object:

• An instance of a class created and managed by a framework (e.g., Spring, CDI).
• Represents a specific instance of a component or service in an application.

Thus, "Bean" can refer to a specific style of writing a Java class or to a particular instance of that class managed by a container. In the context of frameworks, it is often referred to as a managed object.