Seam Framework – Top Resources for Developers

At my company, we have been using the Seam Framework for over two years to develop large-scale Java EE applications for our customers. It has been a rough ride at times but I firmly believe Seam requires every Java developer’s close look; even if you must ultimately choose one of the other numerous Java frameworks (Spring, Struts, Stripes, et. Al.), I think you will have gained a greater appreciation for Seam and Java enterprise development in general by evaluating Seam’s contributions to the JEE space. And no, I do not work for JBoss. I will be following this post with a series of Seam recipes showcasing how I have used Seam to solve common Web development challenges.

Here are some of the top Seam resources which I have found to be indispensable. Please feel free to recommend your favorites.

Seam Framework: Experience the Evolution of Java EE (2nd Edition)

This very recent release contains information and recipes on a number of the changes and improvements to the Seam Framework since the 2.0 release. It is authored by a Michael Yuan who is regarded as a Seam expert and a contributor to the project.

Seam in Action

While not quite as recent, Dan Allen – also an expert in the Seam space – gives the reader an opportunity to read more about how to apply Seam rather than a regurgitation of Seam documentation.

Java Persistence with Hibernate

A must have for working with Hibernate/JPA; although it doesn’t directly apply to Seam, you’ll find ways to apply your new knowledge of this powerful ORM framework within your Seam applications. Some of the topics covered include performance tuning your HQL/EJB-QL, indexing, Hibernate criteria, and composite keys.

Pro EJB 3: Java Persistence API

Great for beginning to learn building, testing, and persisting EJBs.

Practical RichFaces

One of the advantages of Seam is its nature of working directly “out of the box” with JSF, and in particular, the RichFaces JSF component suite. I’ve been using RichFaces for over two years and have been seen it mature immensely. The members of the RichFaces team are truly driven in their efforts to provide a world-class (and free) JSF library for developers.

Notable Web resources

RichFaces Live Demo

in.relation.to

Seam Framework

JBossWiki: RichFaces Cookbook