JSF vs Java 8: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss the key differences between JSF (JavaServer Faces) and Java 8. JSF is a Java web application framework for building user interfaces, while Java 8 is a programming language release that introduced several new features and improvements. Now, let's dive into the differences between these two.

1. Expression Language: JSF provides a unified and simplified expression language to access and manipulate data in the user interface components. It allows developers to bind values directly to UI components without writing extensive code. On the other hand, Java 8 introduced a new version of the expression language called the Stream API. This API provides a functional programming paradigm and allows developers to perform complex operations on collections with concise and expressive code.

2. Lambda Expressions: Java 8 introduced lambda expressions, which are essentially anonymous functions that can be passed around as variables. This new feature simplifies coding in Java and enables developers to write more concise and expressive code. In contrast, JSF does not have native support for lambda expressions.

3. Date and Time API: Java 8 introduced a new Date and Time API that provides a more comprehensive and flexible approach to handle date and time-related operations. This API offers improved functionality compared to the older Date and Calendar classes. JSF, however, does not have built-in support for the Java 8 Date and Time API.

4. Default Methods: With Java 8, interfaces can now have default methods, which allow developers to add new functionality to an interface without breaking existing implementations. This feature enhances the backwards compatibility of interfaces. In JSF, there is no direct equivalent to default methods in Java 8.

5. Parallel Processing: Java 8 introduced the concept of parallel processing, which enables developers to leverage multi-core processors for improved performance and efficiency. This feature is particularly useful for computationally intensive tasks. JSF, being a web application framework, does not inherently provide parallel processing capabilities.

6. Functional Interfaces: Java 8 introduced functional interfaces, which are interfaces with a single abstract method. These interfaces can be used as lambda expressions or method references. Functional interfaces play a crucial role in enabling functional programming paradigms in Java 8. JSF does not have native support for functional interfaces.

In summary, some key differences between JSF and Java 8 include the presence of a unified expression language in JSF, the introduction of lambda expressions, a new Date and Time API, support for default methods in Java 8 interfaces, parallel processing capabilities, and the concept of functional interfaces in Java 8.