Java EE, or Java Platform, Enterprise Edition, is a set of specifications that extend the Java SE (Standard Edition) to provide a robust platform for developing large-scale, multi-tiered, and distributed applications. It includes APIs for web services, servlets, and enterprise beans, making it easier for developers to build and deploy enterprise-level applications. The framework is designed to simplify the development process by providing a standard architecture and a set of tools that promote best practices. With features like dependency injection and transaction management, Java EE helps developers create scalable and maintainable applications efficiently.