The Java Web Framework Grand Challenge

Ajax has certainly stirred things up! This last summer I was thrilled about Wicket, as the lean and mean new kid on the web frameworks block. I never got to know it in detail, and now I'm not so sure about anything any more, since I don't know if the current web frameworks are well suited to handle the brave new Ajax world. Sure, Ajax will not change the world. Not even stop world hunger, but I strongly believe that end user demand will force us all to add Ajax to our web applications. Not because we have to, but "because it's there". It is really quite simple to use, and the effect is really addicting. It sure looks like magic. If you've never dipped your toes into Ajax, and you're into Java, I'd recommend DWR. It works well, has an active and helpful community, and is quite well documented.

But lets pretend Ajax never happened. Lets look at the current web frameworks landscape. I think these are the current contenders:

• Raw servlets
• Good old JSP
• Struts classic
• JSF
• WebWork (Struts Ti)
• Tapestry
• Wicket
• Spring MVC

I may have forgotten one or two, but that isn't the point. There are a few good comparisons, like this and this, but none of them goes the whole way!

Lets look at the boundary conditions! Picking a web framework for Java should be done depending on how you answer these questions:

• How big is the project? How many developers?
• Is it a quick hack, or will it be maintained for a long time by many people?
• Do you expect heavy load?
• What frameworks have you previously used?
• How complex is the application?
• Is it using advanced CSS developed by a separate group UI designers?
• Is it OK to be on the bleeding edge?
• How skilled/experienced are your developers?

I may have forgotten one or two, but that isn't the point. The point is that noone has taken The Java Web Framework Grand Challenge and told us in which circumstances they fit best! I'd love it if someone was bold enough to write a flowchart with yes/no questions that leads to recommended Java web frameworks. This is your chance to fame and glory!