What is the difference between filters, listeners, and interceptors within the Spring Framework?

In the Spring Framework:

• Filters are components that operate at the servlet level and can intercept HTTP requests and responses before they reach Spring controllers. They are typically used for tasks related to authentication, logging, data compression.

• Listeners are objects that respond to application or session lifecycle events, such as session creation or destruction, application startup. They implement interfaces from the Servlet API and allow executing code when these events occur.

• Interceptors work at the Spring MVC level, intercepting controller calls. They enable additional logic before and after the controller processes a request, such as permission checks, model modifications, logging.

Example:

• A filter intercepts a request before it reaches Spring MVC.
• An interceptor operates within Spring MVC around the controller call.
• A listener responds to application or session events.