Explain JSF

[Andrew Shafer]

I just inherited an application written using JSF.

Mostly what I want explained is why every document on JSF doesn't start out with a bold red disclaimer: JAVA SERVER FACES IS GOING TO DO STUFF THAT WILL CONFUSE ALL USERS EXPECTING 'NORMAL' BEHAVIOR IN A WEB APPLICATION.

You want to click the 'back' button? No, No, don't do that. . .

You want the URL to actually reflect what you are seeing? Crazy talk. . .

If someone has a rational for why these 'features' aren't ridiculous, please enlighten me.

[Gregg Bolinger]

Welcome to the world of web application frameworks my friend.

[Gerardo Tasistro]

Originally posted by Andrew Shafer:
Mostly what I want explained is why every document on JSF doesn't start out with a bold red disclaimer: JAVA SERVER FACES IS GOING TO DO STUFF THAT WILL CONFUSE ALL USERS EXPECTING 'NORMAL' BEHAVIOR IN A WEB APPLICATION.

I believe you're looking for the <h:watchOut> or the <f:arghhh> tags. Regarding the URL issue, I believe it doesn't have the redirect tags set in the navigation rules. That is easily fixed.

[Andrew Shafer]

If by easily fixed you mean double the requests processed for every page viewed, then yes.

You can address the 'back' button feature as well.

But why is something that advertises itself as 'RAD' tool causing so much ass pain?