Java Servlets are server-side components that enable Java applications to respond to client requests, typically from web browsers. They operate within a servlet container, which manages the lifecycle of servlets, including their initialization, request handling, and destruction. Servlets facilitate the creation of dynamic web content by processing incoming requests, generating responses, and interacting with databases or other resources. They are a fundamental part of Java EE (Enterprise Edition) and are often used in conjunction with JavaServer Pages (JSP) to create robust web applications. Their ability to handle multiple requests concurrently makes them efficient for web development.