Learn about how JavaServer Faces (JSF) can simplify Java development by leveraging the power of off-the-shelf user interface components. JSF is the standard web user interface framework for Java, originally released through the Java Community Process in 2004. It specifies a web user interface component model, complete with server-side event handling, validation, internationalization, page navigation, and declarative mapping between user interface components and Java objects. It is designed to work with JSP and other display technologies, and allows rapid application development using traditional user interface metaphors. JSF also allows you to develop rich Ajax applications with little or no knowledge of JavaScript.

This workshop begins by explaining what JavaServer Faces is, and how it relates to Struts and other web frameworks currently on the market. You will learn about key JSF concepts, and some of the architectural principals behind the framework. After you have a basic understanding of JSF, you will learn about IDEs that support JSF, as well as libraries that facilitate JSF development, such as the various MyFaces projects, JBoss Seam, and Facelets. You will also learn about the current market for off-the-shelf user interface components, such as grids, menus, toolbars, trees, and tabbed panes. In addition, you will see how JSF can simplify development of AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) user interfaces.

Once you understand what JSF and its ecosystem, we will dive into the fundamentals of application development: developing views, navigation, and writing backing beans. The workshop ends with an overview of new features in JSF 2.0, scheduled for release this year. Students will leave this workshop with a basic understanding of JavaServer Faces application development.