OpenFaces JSF 2 component library

4
votes

Has anyone had tried OpenFaces 3 and can give a short review with respect to the following:

  • Stability
  • Compatibility with other libraries (PrimeFaces, RichFaces, etc.)
  • Ease of use
  • Skinning capabiltites (Theme support, etc.)

I'm looking for a JSF 2 component library. I'm currently using PrimeFaces 2 and considering using additional components from OpenFaces/RichFaces.

1
jsfjsf-2
Hi, I comparing OpenFaces 2 with PrimeFaces 1.x, I know for experience that OpenFaces was really more stable and with LESS bugs (javascript/css related)... The PrimeFaces 2 is better than the PP 1.x, that's sure, but maybe the OpenFaces 3 is also better that PP 2 and OP 2 – Fabio

1 Answers

4
votes

Here's some info that might answer your questions:

Stability

OpenFaces has a 4-year production usage history since its first version named QuipuKit 1.0 was released, so it had some time to get polished.

Compatibility with other libraries (PrimeFaces, RichFaces, etc.)

Besides OpenFaces, there's only one JSF 2.0 library in production state as of today (Nov, 5 2010) -- PrimeFaces. The latest PF 2.2.RC1 has a conflict with OF 3.0 Ajax though, which should be resolved in the nearest future -- see this request for the status of this issue.

As to RichFaces, its version compatible with JSF 2.0 is in a prerelease state, and the latest RichFaces 4.0.0.M3 could successfully be combined with OF 3.0 upon a very quick test.

Ease of use

Installation is as simple as adding jars to the application, and usage is no more complex than using the standard JSF components. The API is in essence similar to the standard components but there are a lot more configuration options. All advanced configuration options are generally optional, and you can keep component declarations simple.

Skinning capabiltites (Theme support, etc.)

There's no special skinning system, but all components generally have many settings for customizing all of their appearance aspects.