I have a project at work that I have to implement. It is a web based site that I have to put together. Technically, I could use almost any technology that I want, provided that it will run on a Linux/Solaris platform. So I could write this app using PHP, perl, Python, or Java. For reasons that would take to long to explain at this moment, the option was chosen to go with Java.

Now like PHP there are about 9342 different frameworks that could be chosen for developing a web application in Java. Of all the technologies out there wee are mainly looking at JSF 2.0 using JFaces or some other tech to add AJAX support. From the looks of it there are both pluses and minuses to using JSF. One main factor in the decision was dealing with the popularity of JSF. Once the prototyping starts we will see.

The other framework that I was looking at was Wicket. While this is not as popular in the mainstream, it seems to embrace the way that I approach stuff more. I am sure that either will meet the needs of the project. However, I am working with another developer other than just myself so compromises had to be made. One of those compromises was JSF.

So as of yet I am not sure what I am getting into with JSF. About 4 years ago I messed with it when they were still working on the 2.0 spec. From what I remember it was not that bad to work with. At the time I was not working on an application as complex as the one that I have planned. This time the project is a bit more involved and will be used by more than just myself and a few other people.

So I am going to dive in head first, and see where I land. That is of course unless I review wicket, and decide that this is the better project. I must be insane.