Java Web Frameworks

When choosing a web framework

• Choose carefully. Matt Raible has several presentations on how to choose a web framework: http://raibledesigns.com/rd/page/publications
• Go with the flow. Follow the recipe's of the framework, but if you find yourself fighting against it, switch. For instance, does it create URLs you like?

Alternatives

In order of popularity (as of our gut feeling)

• Struts
• SpringMVC
• JavaServer Faces
• Seam
• Wicket
• Tapestry
• Spring MVC
• JRuby on Rails
• Grails
• Google Web Toolkit
• Rife
• Many, many, more...

Qualities

• Level of adoption
• Active community
• Documentation
• Ease of use

Traits of a web frameworks

• Component oriented vs action oriented
• Cascading setup (rails)

Features of a web framework

• Binding
• Conversion
• Validation
• REST-support