Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Apache Struts VS Happstack Lite

Compare Apache Struts VS Happstack Lite and see what are their differences

Apache Struts logo Apache Struts

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

Happstack Lite logo Happstack Lite

Happstack itself is a web framework created in Haskell. Happstack Lite is an easier version to use that can import features from the heftier version if need be.
  • Apache Struts Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-04-27
  • Happstack Lite Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-09-27

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  • Outdated Compared to Modern Frameworks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.

Happstack Lite features and specs

  • Lightweight
    Happstack Lite is a minimal, lightweight Haskell web framework, making it an excellent choice for small applications or projects where minimal overhead is desired.
  • Haskell Integration
    Being built with Haskell, it provides strong type safety, functional programming paradigms, and powerful abstractions that can help in building robust applications.
  • Simple Routing
    Happstack Lite offers straightforward URL routing capabilities, allowing developers to easily define and manage routes in a concise manner.
  • Ease of Use
    With its simplified approach, developers new to Haskell or web development can quickly get started with building applications using Happstack Lite.

Possible disadvantages of Happstack Lite

  • Limited Features
    As a minimal framework, it may lack some of the advanced features that larger frameworks provide, requiring additional implementation for features like authentication and complex data handling.
  • Community and Support
    Happstack Lite may have a smaller community compared to larger frameworks, potentially resulting in less available resources, tutorials, and community support.
  • Performance Limitations
    Due to its lightweight nature, it may not be as optimized for high-performance needs as other more comprehensive frameworks.
  • Ecosystem Maturity
    The ecosystem surrounding Happstack Lite might be less mature or extensive than that of more established web frameworks, possibly leading to limited library options.

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

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)

Happstack Lite videos

No Happstack Lite videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Add video

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Apache Struts and Happstack Lite)
Developer Tools
82 82%
18% 18
Web Frameworks
80 80%
20% 20
API Tools
0 0%
100% 100
JavaScript Tools
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

Share your experience with using Apache Struts and Happstack Lite. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Reviews

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

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.

Happstack Lite Reviews

We have no reviews of Happstack Lite yet.
Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Apache Struts seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 2 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)

Happstack Lite mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Happstack Lite yet. Tracking of Happstack Lite recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Apache Struts and Happstack Lite, 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.

wai-routes - Type safe routing framework for wai

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

Apiary - Collaborative design, instant API mock, generated documentation, integrated code samples, debugging and automated testing

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

Yesod - Yesod is a development tool used to create highly efficient websites and web applications from the ground up. Yesod includes almost everything you need to build a website, from templates to routing and execution. Read more about Yesod.