ZK Framework
Encyclopedia : Z : ZK : ZKF : ZK Framework
The core of ZK is an Ajax-based event-driven mechanism, over 60 XUL and 80 XHTML-based components, and a markup language for design user interfaces. Programmers design their application pages in feature-rich XUL/XHTML components, and manipulate them upon events triggered by end user's activity. It is similar to the programming model found in desktop GUI-based applications.
ZK takes the so called server-centric approach that the content synchronization of components and the event pipelining between clients and servers are automatically done by the engine and Ajax plumbing codes are completely transparent to web application developers. Therefore, the end users get the similar engaged interactivity and responsiveness as a desktop application, while programmers' development remains the similar simplicity as that of desktop applications.
In additions to component-based programming in a manner similar to Swing, ZK supports a markup language for rich user interface definition called ZUML.
- ZUML is designed for non-programmer developers to design user interfaces efficiently.
- ZUML allows developer to melt different markup languages, such as Mozilla XUL language and XHTML, seamlessly into the same page.
- ZUML allows developers to embed script in pure Java language (interpreted by BeanShell) and use EL expressions to manipulate the components and access data.
Pros, Cons and Limitation
Pros
- ZUML allows non-programmers to efficiently design user interfaces.
- Embedding script in Java helps fast prototyping and customizations.
- No Ajax or JavaScript prerequisite for programmers.
- Intuitive event-driven component-based model.
Cons
- No XAML support.
- Not suitable for highly-interactive application, such as action games.
Differences to XUL
- While supporting many of XUL components, ZK renders them into HTML tags.
- * It means it does not count on the power of Gecko XUL rendering engine which is embedded in Mozilla/Firefox.
- * ZK is compatible with browsers that don't support XUL, such as Internet Explorer.
- * ZK maintains its own look and feel across browsers. It is independent of the look and feel of Gecko XUL rendering engine
- ZK does not support all attributes of XUL and introduces some proprietary extensions.
System Requirements
- J2RE version 1.4 or later
- A Web server supporting servlets
Prerequisites of Programming Skills
What Are Required
- Basic knowledge of Java
- Basic knowledge of HTML and XUL
What Are Optional
- Object Oriented Programming
- Servlet/JSP Programming
- Ajax
- JavaScript
External links
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