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Apache Struts VS Apache Wicket

Compare Apache Struts VS Apache Wicket and see what are their differences

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Contents:
  1. ยป Base Details
  2. ยป Videos
  3. ยป Reviews
  4. ยป Alternatives

Apache Struts logo Apache Struts

Apache Struts is an open-source web application framework for developing Java EE web applications.

Apache Wicket logo Apache Wicket

HelloWorld demonstrates the basic structure of a web application in Wicket. A Label component is used to display a message on the home page for the application. In all the Wicket examples, you have to put all files in the same package directory.
  • Apache Struts Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-04-27
  • Apache Wicket Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-07-22

Apache Struts features and specs

  • Robust Framework
    Apache Struts is a mature and well-established framework for Java web applications, providing stable and reliable tools for enterprise-level applications.
  • MVC Architecture
    Struts adheres to the Model-View-Controller (MVC) design pattern, which separates business logic, presentation, and navigation, making code maintenance and development easier.
  • Extensive Documentation
    Struts has comprehensive documentation and a wealth of online resources, including tutorials, community forums, and user guides, which can support developers throughout their projects.
  • Rich Tag Library
    It comes with a rich set of custom tags that enhance the JSP (JavaServer Pages) to create dynamic web content easily.
  • Plugin Support
    Apache Struts supports various plugins that can extend its functionality, allowing developers to integrate additional features without much effort.

Possible disadvantages of Apache Struts

  • Steep Learning Curve
    New developers might find Struts challenging to learn due to its complexity and the need for a good understanding of the MVC architecture and Java web application development.
  • Configuration Overhead
    The framework requires extensive XML configuration, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming compared to convention-over-configuration frameworks.
  • Performance
    Struts can be slower than some newer, lighter frameworks due to its broader feature set and the overhead associated with its extensive configuration.
  • Security Vulnerabilities
    Struts has had notable security vulnerabilities in the past. Although patches and updates are available, it necessitates proactive monitoring and maintenance.
  • Outdated Compared to Modern Frameworks
    With the advent of modern frameworks like Spring MVC and JavaServer Faces, some developers consider Struts to be less up-to-date with the latest web development standards and practices.

Apache Wicket features and specs

  • Component-based architecture
    Apache Wicket follows a component-based architecture, allowing developers to create reusable components that can be easily maintained and improved over time.
  • POJO-driven development
    Wicket promotes Plain Old Java Object (POJO) development, which simplifies the creation of web applications by reducing the need for extensive XML configurations and boosting productivity with familiar Java paradigms.
  • HTML-centric design
    The framework allows developers to start with pure HTML and then add dynamic behavior, leading to cleaner separation of concerns and easier markup manipulation.
  • Strong type checking
    Wicket provides strong type checking at compile time, which leads to fewer runtime errors and increases code safety and reliability.
  • Built-in AJAX support
    Wicket seamlessly integrates AJAX functionality, allowing developers to create rich internet applications with minimal effort.

Possible disadvantages of Apache Wicket

  • Steep learning curve
    The component-based approach and the specific conventions used in Wicket might require a significant learning period, especially for those who are new to component-driven web frameworks.
  • Less popularity
    Although Wicket has a dedicated community, it is not as widely adopted as some other Java web frameworks, which might result in fewer resources, tutorials, and third-party integrations.
  • Statefulness
    Wicket's stateful nature can lead to increased memory usage and potentially slower performance compared to stateless web frameworks, which might be important for applications with a large number of concurrent users.
  • Complexity in large applications
    As the size and scope of a Wicket application grow, the complexity of managing components and their interactions can also increase, making it harder to maintain without careful planning and architecture.

Analysis of Apache Struts

Overall verdict

  • Apache Struts is a robust framework, suitable for building Java-based web applications, but it's crucial to stay vigilant regarding security updates.

Why this product is good

  • Apache Struts is known for its MVC framework, which is useful for creating well-structured and maintainable Java applications. It provides a range of comprehensive features like a flexible tag library, integration with other Java frameworks, and a strong support community. However, it has faced some high-profile security vulnerabilities in the past, underscoring the importance of keeping the framework timely updated.

Recommended for

  • Organizations developing enterprise-level Java applications
  • Developers familiar with Java and looking for a robust MVC framework
  • Teams interested in integrating their web applications with other Java technologies

Apache Struts videos

+ Add

Finding and Fixing Apache Struts CVE-2017-5638 with Black Duck Hub

More videos:

  • Review - Apache Struts 2 - remote command execution
  • Review - Dark ambient drone music | Vulnerable Apache Struts installation under attack (Java, Jakarta)

Apache Wicket videos

+ Add

Apache wicket: 1 start

More videos:

  • Review - Apache wicket: 12 LifeCycle

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Apache Struts and Apache Wicket)

Apache Struts

Apache Wicket

Developer Tools
61 61%
Developer Tools
39% 39
Web Frameworks
58 58%
Web Frameworks
42% 42
JavaScript Tools
67 67%
JavaScript Tools
33% 33
JavaScript Framework
52 52%
JavaScript Framework
48% 48

User comments

Share your experience with using Apache Struts and Apache Wicket. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Apache Struts and Apache Wicket

Apache Struts Reviews

17 Popular Java Frameworks for 2023: Pros, cons, and more
You can integrate Struts with other Java frameworks to perform tasks that arenโ€™t built into the platform. For instance, you can use the Spring plugin for dependency injection or the Hibernate plugin for object-relational mapping. Struts also allows you to use different client-side technologies such as Jakarta Server Pages to build the frontend of your application.
Source: raygun.com
10 Best Java Frameworks You Should Know
Followed by Struts Framework, the next leading framework currently being used in the IT industry is the Wicket.
Source: www.simplilearn.com

Apache Wicket Reviews

17 Popular Java Frameworks for 2023: Pros, cons, and more
Tapestry is a component-based Java framework with which you can create scalable web applications. Its focus on reusable components makes it architecturally similar to Jakarta Faces and Apache Wicket (see both above). Like Struts and Wicket, Tapestry is also a project of the Apache Software Foundation.
Source: raygun.com
10 Best Java Frameworks You Should Know
Apache Wicket is a component-based application development framework developed by Jonathan Locke. It is one of the most recently developed Java frameworks.
Source: www.simplilearn.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Apache Wicket should be more popular than Apache Struts. It has been mentiond 10 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Apache Struts mentions (2)

Apache Wicket mentions (10)

  • Show HN: Latudio โ€“ a language acquisition app with a listening-oriented approach
    - like Sentences exercise, but you can select your own set of sentences. You can also set goals and view statistics about your progress. None of this would be possible without the great help from hundreds of our contributors [3], who translated, mapped and recorded content. All the content you find in the app was reviewed multiple times by several people and recordings are made by native speakers. No story in the... - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • We're breaking up with JavaScript front ends
    Sort of sounds like Apache Wicket (https://wicket.apache.org/). I used it for a few projects in the mid-late 2000s. I really liked it being server side and the concept of having object-oriented HTML (code paired with HTML snippets). I haven't had a need to use it since 2014, so haven't kept up with the project. - Source: Hacker News / over 3 years ago
  • Can I use Java to build a website?
    You can use Java for Backend and Frontend. A relative new kid on the block for Frontend is Qute. The general keyword you are searching for is Java Templating Engine. Specific examples would be Thymeleaf or FreeMarker. There are some framework, which offer a lot more than templating like Vaadin or Wicket. Some are just specifications like Jakarta Faces with some of their implementations MyFaces or Mojarra. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Getting back into Java after 12-15 years away?
    Perhaps, a good competitor for JSF is Apache Wicket. Source: almost 4 years ago
  • Options for high level front-end frameworks for Java developers
    I have used https://wicket.apache.org/ in the past and I think it matches your needs. It's a simple mvc that focuses on the actual java code writing and uses html only on the layout of your components in your page. Source: over 4 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Apache Struts and Apache Wicket, you can also consider the following products

Spring Framework - The Spring Framework provides a comprehensive programming and configuration model for modern Java-based enterprise applications - on any kind of deployment platform.

Grails - An Open Source, full stack, web application framework for the JVM

Spark Mail - Spark helps you take your inbox under control. Instantly see whatโ€™s important and quickly clean up the rest. Spark for Teams allows you to create, discuss, and share email with your colleagues

Vaadin Framework - Vaadin is a web application framework for Rich Internet Applications (RIA).

Play Framework - An open source web framework which follows the model-view-controller architecture. It is light-weight, web-friendly, and stateless. It provides minimal overhead for highly-scalable applications.

Eclipse Jetty - Jetty is a highly scalable modular servlet engine and http server that natively supports many modern protocols like SPDY and WebSockets.

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