JavaServer Faces

by Hans Bergsten

JavaServer Faces, or JSF, brings a component-based model to web application development that's similar to the model that's been used in standalone GUI applications for years. The technology builds on the experience gained from Java Servlets, JavaServer Pages, and numerous commercial and open source web application frameworks that simplify the development process. In JavaServer Faces, developers learn how to use this new framework to build real-world...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0596005393
• ISBN13: 9780596005399
• Release Date: June 2004
• Publisher: O'Reilly Media
• Length: 606 Pages
• Weight: 1.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 7.0" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

For a J2EE beginner, a great resource

I've been working on webapps for the past 3 years in PHP, Python, and most recently Ruby. I've been trying to learn J2EE and have found it very difficult to find a foothold, a solid piece of ground to get oriented as to how people write Java webapps. I tend to like tutorial-style books when learning a new subject, ones that pick a project and implement it step by step, explaining the importance and contextual relevance of each hunk of code along the way. Of the four or five J2EE books that I've read on O'Reilly's Safari, this book is by far the best one for my style of learning. Java webapps are unique in that there is such a wide variety of options for each layer of your application. The Model, View, and Controller layers are all completely independent, and the interfaces between them are all configurable. Not only are they configurable, but you can choose to implement the connections between layers in code, or by using xml configuration files. This is *very* different to any other framework that I've used, and the complexity and power it presents is immensely overwhelming. Bergsten does an excellent job (in contrast to the Official J2EE Tutorial, imho) at presenting each concept with just enough background, context, and detail as is necessary for one to understand what is happenening at a given moment. I really like the fact that all of the code is listed in its entirety in the text, with descriptions interspersed. I really dislike the style of tutorial that tells you to "download and install the source code" and then proceeds to discuss it. I find that by having the example provided to me, I tend to skip over the boring, but important, details and at the end of the read, I haven't retained much. I learn by "following along" and typing in the listings myself. It helps me to remember the concepts, and forces me to concentrate on what's happening. I can't speak for how effective this book would be for someone who already knew J2EE in some capacity, but for me, a J2EE newbie who likes a hands-on, applied approach, this book was the perfect fit.

Focused and informative

This is one of the best O'Reilly Java books I have read in some time. The use of graphics is very effectively coupled with tightly written and interesting exposition. Nowhere is this more evident than in chapter four which works through an entire web transaction both on the client and the server. About two thirds of the book covers JSF in-depth. The last third, in the appendices, gives an O'Reilly style reference for the components. Before the reference section the book covers the basics, like forms. Then goes into advanced topics like internationalization and finished off by covering the creation of custom components and layout systems. This is a must read for anyone using or evaluating JSF. It's well written, and teaches the topic, as opposed to just translating the documentation.

Great book by a respected authority

If you want to learn JavaServer Faces, this is the book to choose. As an active member of three important JCP expert groups (JSF, JSP, and JSTL), Hans can share insights into JSF and its use that few other authors can. Notably, Hans is also the author of three editions of the popular O'Reilly book, JavaServer Pages. Like his other books, this book contains clear explanations and best practices based on his experience.Unlike many other JSF books, this book includes accurate, up-to-date information since it was intentionally published AFTER the JSF 1.0 final specification was released. Hans clearly explains the JSF UI framework, how events are handled, authentication, navigation, how to work with tabular data, how to use JSF with Struts, internationalization, and input validation. I particularly like how Hans clearly explains the relationship between the JSF custom tag libraries and the JSF Java API. Hans' book also explains how to extend existing JSF components and build your own custom components.On various mailing lists, Hans regularly answers questions for those who are stumbling on learning JSP, JSTL, and now JSF. Hans' passion to teach is evident in his efforts to clearly explain important concepts and how they can be applied using best practices. Over the past few years, Hans has helped me immeasurably in learning JSP, JSTL, and now JSF. If you can't find an answer in his book, you can post your questions online and Hans is likely to answer. Buy this book - you can't go wrong.

Excellent introduction (and more) to JavaServer Faces

This book provides an excellent introduction to JavaServer Faces. Hans was (and still is) one of the leading contributors to the JSF specification. If you've never seen or learned a thing about this new technology, this book will certainly get you started on the right path, with good examples of the "right" way to build pages in JSF. I would recommend (and have recommended) this book to those approaching this technology for the first time.But even for those who have already been introduced to JSF, this book still offers a lot. Chapters on developing custom Renderers, custom Components, and even custom presentation layers (ViewHandlers in JSF-speak) are excellent, as are sections on integrating with Struts, debugging, internationalization, etc.In short, highly recommended.

Perfect introduction to JSF

I highly recommend this book for anyone using or desiring to use JSF in their development. From my personal experience, working on a JSF project, this book helped me get through which otherwise was proving very frustrating and would not have been possible without this book. Most important, the language of the book helped me really understand the basics. It firmed my foundations in JSF, on which I could build strong infrastructure. A perfect place to start if you are intereted in JSF. All included examples in the book are a good starting point for building your own application blocks and components. It clears the mist that builds when you go bumping around forums and helps you understand the technology in its true sense. A definite recommended read. Book content and examples are in line with JSF release 1.1 specification.Thank you Hans, a terrific resource.(...)