The Java Cryptography Extension (JCE) is a framework that provides a set of APIs for implementing cryptographic operations in Java applications. It allows developers to perform tasks such as encryption, decryption, key generation, and digital signatures, enhancing the security of their software. JCE supports various algorithms and can be extended with additional cryptographic providers. JCE is part of the larger Java Platform, Standard Edition (Java SE) and is designed to be flexible and easy to use. It enables developers to integrate strong cryptographic features into their applications while adhering to industry standards and best practices for security.