Java design question on which framework to use? JBoss, Rest, etc

Question

I'm interested in creating a client/server app in java, but not certain which framework to use. Here are simple scenarios to check disk space:

Scenario 1 1. A user would click on a button on a web page console "Get current disk space usage". 2. The servlet would get all machines from a db and ask each one to return their used disk space. 3. Each machine would reply with the used disk space.

Scenario 2 4. Each machine would update a service every 24 hours with its used disk space.

From what I can tell, I need to have a tomcat instance to host a servlet as the console. From here is where it gets murky for me - and hence this question. Would I also need a) a SOAP service for #4? b) a SOAP "client" running on each machine for #2?

I'm just not sure when to use SOAP services vs. RESTful services, etc. Any opinions would be appreciated. Fairly new to java, so apologies for any mis-spoken jargon.

Vicente Plata · Accepted Answer · 2011-04-25 22:32:51Z

2

You don't need a SOAP service nor a client. It would be nice, of course, but (if in a hurry) you can use your own format. CSV's, pipes, whatever fits you.

I've found SOAP services are easier to read but they are not the best choice when you expect a lot of data, mostly 'cos of the tags that you have to open and close. JSON is my choice in these situations.

Now, what you're talking about are not frameworks. They are protocols or convention. A framework is more language-dependent, like Struts, Spring, Tapestry, iBatis, etc.

Hope this helps.

answered Apr 25, 2011 at 22:32

Vicente Plata

3,3801 gold badge21 silver badges26 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

Comments

alphazero · Accepted Answer · 2011-04-25 22:33:32Z

0

SOAP is only relevant in context of an open ended system where service discovery, etc. would be useful. Otherwise, it is a PITA and entirely overkill.

RESTful services -- recommendation: use json -- would more than suffice for your purpose. Tomcat is not your only option. Jetty is quite excellent as well.

answered Apr 25, 2011 at 22:33

alphazero

27.3k3 gold badges32 silver badges27 bronze badges

Comments

Jarek Rozanski · Accepted Answer · 2011-04-25 22:37:18Z

0

I would suggest lightweight approach, as your use case is fairly limited, I would suggest going with embedded Jetty, Spring MVC and possibly JSON or XML response.

This will simplify deployment as you can wrap Jetty in wrapper application and make it runnable as process or service in either Windows or Linux, plus the footprint on the whole system will be fairly small.

This could change if you plan to extend this application with more feature and more integration point with other services/applications/protocols.

answered Apr 25, 2011 at 22:37

Jarek Rozanski

8001 gold badge6 silver badges14 bronze badges

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Java design question on which framework to use? JBoss, Rest, etc

3 Answers 3

Comments

Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

3 Answers 3

Comments

Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related