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Introduction
Web Application Development is one of the most relevant software development implementations in the tech space: multiple tools and frameworks aid web application developers. Vaadin is one such open-source framework we can use to develop web applications.
So without further ado, let's start our journey into the world of Vaadin.
All About Vaadin
The development of Vaadin first started as an adapter on top of an open-source web framework known as Millstone 3. The name of the product changed to IT Mill Toolkit in early 2007. In May 2009, IT Mill Toolkit changed its name to Vaadin Framework, and in March 2010, Vaadin Directory was opened. The Vaadin directory adds a channel for distributing add-on components to the core Vaadin Framework, commercially or free.
Vaadin is an open-source web development framework with built-in support for Ajax and Java scripts. We can also add external features to it using the Google Web toolkit. Vaadin is an effective time saver for web developers, rendering rich content in the browser without using any markup files. Vaadin framework generates all markups, and supporting files are generated at runtime. Vaadin uses Java as the programming language and supports server-side and client-side development.
Vaadin Architecture
Before setting up the Vaadin environment and working on projects and examples using the Vaadin framework, you must first understand the architecture of the Vaadin framework. The Vaadin framework is divided into two modules to develop a web application for the server and client sides.
The runtime environment of the Vaadin framework is demonstrated in the following diagram.
Apart from the basic overview, you should know some other key points to work with the Vaadin framework.
We use the client-side engine of the Vaadin framework to render the user action or output.
The server-side handles the business-based part that receives the event-based request and generates the response for the client. Communication between two levels occurs via the HTTP protocol.
The Vaadin framework uses the GWT, so the output of the Vaadin application renders faster and increases the scalability. So, the Vaadin framework has higher scalability than the conventional JavaScript-based application.
The Vaadin is faster than the XML-based application because of using JSON.
Separate components such as CSS and themes can be used to provide excellent customer-side feedback.
The Vaadin framework has data binding modules that provide APIs to connect and manipulate data.
Advantages of Vaadin
There are multiple reasons to choose the Vaadin framework for web application development. Vaadin has the following advantages listed below.
Multiple Options
The Vaadin framework provides several layouts, components, and listeners, making it a preferable choice over conventional web technologies.
Server-side Programming
Vaadin does not require using markup languages to develop or build web pages. Because it is designed using Java, the Vaadin framework provides all sorts of support using Google Web Toolkit.
Object-oriented
Being wholly based on Java, an Object-oriented programming language, the Vaadin framework is also object-oriented. That allows developers to develop the web application with ease.
Easy to Learn and Implement
With multiple plugin support for developers, the Vaadin framework becomes very easy to understand and implement.
Disadvantages of Vaadin
The Vaadin framework also has its shortcomings; a few disadvantages in the framework are listed below.
File Size
Due to the size of dynamic Javascript, which can be increased or decreased, a bigger server is required to maintain its internet accessibility.
User Interface
The Vaadin framework has its primary focus on businesses. Due to this reason, it’s unable to design a fancy UI.
Scalability
Vaadin is less scalable in comparison to its contemporaries.
Resources
The Vaadin framework is comparatively a new technology. Due to this, skilled developers are always in demand, and they can be costly. That results in difficulties finding resources capable of solving complex problems with Vaadin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vaadin for frontend or backend?
Vaadin is an open-source platform for building web applications for Java backends. It integrates frameworks, UI components, and tools into one web development stack.
Is Vaadin scalable?
The short answer is yes; Vaadin applications scale well. In fact, scalability is one of the significant advantages of the Vaadin framework.
Is Vaadin free for commercial use?
We may freely download and use Vaadin Framework for commercial, personal and non-commercial purposes.
Is Vaadin an MVC?
Vaadin doesn't wholly fit the MVC model. Vaadin isn't based on MVP. The MVP pattern is used in many enterprise application projects using Vaadin, so it is entirely usable with Vaadin, but Vaadin is not based on it.
Conclusion
This article taught us about the Vaadin framework, its history, architecture, and its advantages and disadvantages. Now you are ready to take on the Vaadin framework.
After reading about the Vaadin framework, are you not feeling excited to read/explore more articles on the topic of Java? Don't worry; Coding Ninjas has you covered. See theCustom tag in JSF, The Merge Tag, andBorderLayout in Java to learn.
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