The Ajax4jsf framework is implemented using a component library that adds AJAX capability to your existing pages without having to write any JavaScript code or replace existing components with new AJAX widgets. Ajax4jsf also takes full advantage of the benefits of the JSF framework including lifecycle, validation, and conversion facilities, along with the management of static and dynamic resources.
Ajax4jsf differs from other AJAX approaches by enabling page-oriented AJAX support instead of the traditional component-oriented support. This means you can define an event in the page that invokes a particular AJAX request and then you can also define those areas of the page that need to be synchronized with the JSF Component Tree after this particular AJAX request is processed on the server.
JBoss Ajax4jsf Key Functionality
| Leverage the whole set of JSF benefits while working with AJAX | Ajax4jsf is fully integrated into the JSF lifecycle. While other frameworks only give you access to the managed bean facility, Ajax4jsf takes advantage of the action and value change listeners as well as being able to invoke server-side validators and converters during the AJAX request-response cycle. |
| Add AJAX capability to existing JSF applications | The Ajax4jsf adds page-wide Ajax functionality into existing pages, so there is no need to write any JavaScript code or to replace existing components with new Ajax one. |
| Take advantage of skins-based technology | Ajax4jsf comes with a skinnability framework that provides a starting point for developing a full system for easily defining and managing different appearance schemes (skins) dynamically and statically. RichFaces is an example of fully realizing this capability in Ajax4jsf. |
| Write your own custom rich components with built-in AJAX support | A full Maven-based Component Development Kit (CDK) is part of the Ajax4jsf project. The CDK includes a code-generation facility and a templating facility using a JSP-like syntax. These capabilities help to minimize or eliminate the routine of component creation. The component factory works like a well-oiled machine cranking out first-class rich components with built-in Ajax functionality even more easily than simpler components created by traditional coding. |
| Package resources with the application's Java classes | Ajax4jsf also provides advanced support for the management of different resources: pictures, JavaScript code, and CSS stylesheets. The resource framework makes it possible to easily pack these resources into JAR files along with the code for your custom components. |
| Test the components, actions, listeners, and pages as you create them | An automated testing facility is in our roadmap for the near future. This facility will generate test cases for your component as soon as you develop it. The testing framework doesn't just test the components, but also any other server-side or client-side functionality including JavaScript code. What's more, it will do all of this without the deployment of the test application into the Servlet container. |
Ajax Frameworks 
