21. Direct JavaScript Integration

We have discussed two approaches for supporting AJAX in Seam applications. Both require zero JavaScript or XML communication code—but they also have some drawbacks.

The componentized AJAX UI approach (Chapter 19) is easy, but you are limited to what the vendor offers. You face a steep learning curve if you want to implement an AJAX-enabled JSF component to render your own custom visual effects or backend logic. The Ajax4jsf approach (Chapter 20) works well in the JSF context, but it is difficult to implement components with visual effects (e.g., drag-and-drops, fades, pop-ups) beyond the standard HTML widgets already supported by the existing JSF components. In addition, it is bandwidth-intensive to wrap JSF requests in AJAX calls, especially if you use client-side state saving.