6 Best Java Web Development Frameworks

by Steve Nellon Software Developer

Most developers use Java frameworks to build engaging and interactive web application without putting any extra time and effort. Also, each developer has options to choose from a variety of Java web application development frameworks to suit the specific requirements of his project. Similar to other advanced web development frameworks, most Java development frameworks now support the Model-View-Controller (MVC) design. The design makes it easier for developers to separate business logic and presentation.

Further, the flow of client requests and server actions are coordinated in a logical way through a controller. Each Java web development framework is designed with distinct features and functionality. Similarly, the Java bean wrappers, Java Server Pages and tag libraries will also differ based on your choice of framework. But a developer can still use a set of similar APIs to easily design and implement powerful web applications. If you are new to Java development, it is a good idea to check out some of these popular web development frameworks.

6 Widely Used Java Web Development Frameworks

Apache Struts 2: As an enterprise-ready web application development framework, Apache Struts allows developers to streamline the entire development project cycle. Struts 2 also come with an improved design with clean code for frameworks that do not depend on HTTP and create dynamic responses. A developer can use the AJAX tags to add flexibility and interactivity to the web pages by availing the advantages of standard Struts tags. He can also use Struts 2 as an open source tool to build small projects. However, the framework does not allow programmers to develop apps simply by dragging and dropping controls.
Spring: Spring is hugely popular as a powerful yet flexible development framework. You can use Spring to boost the look, feel and performance of your web application without writing lengthy codes. The framework allows you to integrate a wide variety of view options including PDF, Excel, Velocity and JSP/JSTL, seamlessly based on the requirements of your application. At the same time, you can also use the Inversion of Control provided by Spring to easily test your web application. The support of a large developer community also makes the framework popular for developing a variety of enterprise internet applications.
Wicket: In comparison to conventional Java development frameworks, Wicket is more straightforward, and also goes in the opposite direction. Without using XML, Wicket separates logic and markup, along with using a POJO data model. You can insert HTML-based templates to make the web pages dynamic, while keeping Java away from your page design. Along with offering the advantages of pure Java, the framework is also more object-oriented in comparison to others. However, a developer or designer must possess adequate experience to use Wicket in an exact and accurate way.
Seam: Unlike other Java development frameworks, Seam is effective in bundling Java EE standards as well as making them work together as a integrated solution. Along with core standards like EJB3 and JSF, Seam also ties other components together to facilitate smooth work flow and rule management. The integration of core standards and components has made it easier for Seam to avoid the complexity at the architecture and API level. Seam also allows enterprise application developers to avail a number of advantages like built-in libraries for PDF, graphs, Excel, and email. The reduce amount of XML will add stability to your application, whereas the built-in libraries will save your time and effort.
Java Server Faces (JSF): In comparison to the modern Java development frameworks, JSF is a bit older. But JSF is still popular among developers due to supporting Java EE standard. The feature makes it easier for developers to build using interfaces using components on a page. Also, the components can be used or added to make it easier for you to capture the events triggered by their actions. JSF also allows developers to avail build powerful interfaces by availing the advantaged of MVC model. Further, its stable and easy to use features can complement the needs of a variety of enterprise web applications.
Google Web Toolkit (GWT): The huge popularity of Google often makes developers to write AJAX applications like Gmail and Google Maps. The Google Web Toolkit makes it easier for developers to build and maintain complex front-end interfaces designed using JavaScript and Java. They can further develop and debug AJAX apps using any Java development tool of their choice. However, the use of JavaScript will require programmers to put some extra efforts to share, test and reuse the AJAX components. But some of the features provided by the framework will make it easier for them to handle bookmarking, asynchronous remote procedure calls, history management and cross-browser portability.

The choice of Java web development framework varies from one developer to another. It is always important to pick a framework by keeping in mind the specific need of your project. Also, you have to evaluate the pros and cons of individual frameworks to choose the option that saves your time and effort.

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