FormEngine

FormEngine is a Java framework for dynamic form creation and complex form processing for web applications.

Purpose[]

The framework's primary purposes are to:
1. Allow developers to dynamically create form definitions at runtime
2. Provide a simple yet powerful way to dynamically process complex calculations and validations of form input (user data)

Characteristics[]

The FormEngine framework is available for use in new and existing Java web application projects. It can be integrated with a few easy steps into a servlet container.

Form processing occurs in form sessions that bind data processing abilities along with the snapshot of the current data model to the task initiated by a user/client. A form session manages a form instance that behaves as described in the form definition. The framework uses AJAX techniques to allow client-server communication during form sessions.

Calculations and data validation have to be implemented server-side only. Several design patterns aim for minimizing memory needs. Renderers are implemented thread-safe and can be used simultaneously with multiple form instances of a single form definition.

History[]

The FormEngine Java framework project started in 2007. It was created to overcome the shortfalls of other web form frameworks in several areas. It is used in a business process management suite (*) as a replacement for the , a form framework to process XForms definitions. The FormEngine framework was first released for open use under a modified MIT license in December 2009.

Articles and further information[]

Several articles have been posted about the FormEngine Java framework, such as "FormEngine : Multidynamische Formulare" (German).^[1]
For further information see External links.

See also[]

• JavaServer Faces
• XForms
• Google Web Toolkit

References[]

External links[]

• form-engine.de Home
• FormEngine example page
• FormEngine basic Example
• Chiba Engine Home
• Imatics ProcessSuite - A business process management suite that makes use of the FormEngine framework