Java Servlets are server-side components that enable Java applications to handle requests and responses in a web environment. They operate within a servlet container, which manages the lifecycle of servlets, including their initialization, request handling, and destruction. Servlets are primarily used to extend the capabilities of web servers by generating dynamic content, processing form data, and managing sessions. They work in conjunction with JavaServer Pages (JSP) to create interactive web applications. By utilizing servlets, developers can build robust, scalable, and efficient web applications that leverage the power of Java’s platform independence and object-oriented features.