This post originated from an RSS feed registered with Java Buzz by Matt Raible. Original Post: Tapestry is the best Java framework available today Feed Title: Raible Designs ~ We Build Web Apps Feed URL: http://static.raibledesigns.com/500.html Feed Description: Opinions and tips on how to build web applications using Java. Currently using Hibernate, Struts, XHTML, CSS, Ant, JUnit and XDoclet. Latest Java Buzz Posts Latest Java Buzz Posts by Matt Raible Latest Posts From Raible Designs ~ We Build Web Apps

So what's the best Java-based framework available today? It's a very close call, IMO, but I'd have to give the nod to Tapestry at the moment. I really like Tapestry's pure separation of HTML and components and the ability to create custom components without any Java code. That gives it an edge on JSF, which, like Tapestry is one of what I refer to as 3rd generation WAFs, that support components and a server-side event model.

He goes on to say that he'll likely continue to use JSF (with Shale) because it pays the bills and will dethrone Struts as the most popular - which will obviously lead to more gigs. I especially like this part of his post:

After I get client-side validation and file uploads added to Shale I want to turn my attention to Tiles integration, AJAX support and exploring Tapestry-like views that strictly separate HTML and component definitions. For me, those are the most exciting areas of Shale.

I agree that JSF definitely needs Tapestry-like HTML Templates. Shale definitely sounds cool, but I find it funny that it takes yet another framework to make JSF usable. Hopefully Shale will prove a lot of ideas worthwhile and end up as features in JSF 2.0.