Re: [Springframework-developer] iBATIS Database Layer

[<rod...@in...>]

<juergen>
One could say that Spring's relation to the iBATIS Database 
Layer is similar to its relation to WebWork or Struts: Spring 
offers similar functionality with differences in terms of 
modelling approach, but all of it integrated into one 
coherent approach for all application layers - while still 
being individually reusable. 
</juergen>
Yes, I think the idea of consistent configuration via 
JavaBeans and total pluggability via interfaces is so 
powerful that a lot of things just fall into place because 
Spring provides powerful support for it.

I completely agree regarding iBATIS DB layer. I wasn't quite 
sure what it set out to do. I would rather use Spring or 
Hibernate (Spring+Hibernate, that is) and be clear on whether 
I wanted a better JDBC or true O/R mapping. They're quite 
different things.

<juergen>
So it seems that we're on the right track: Some of the main 
design ideas that we've adopted keep emerging in bits and 
pieces of various other frameworks. Though in many cases for 
an isolated functionality domain, and often not drawn through 
as consequently. 
</juergen>
Well put.

I think a lot of people are thinking the same way: for 
example, I just read http://www.freeroller.net/page/ceperez 
today ("Proliferation of Java Microkernels and Extinction of 
J2EE Containers").

I think Spring has a unique value proposition in how it pulls 
everything into the one overall picture, while remaining 
lightweight (compared to things like JBoss AOP, which needs 
total control of the classloader, even in standalone form). 

It's vital that we sell that value proposition vigorously. 
When we release we must do our best to get traction in the 
community...just having a great technology isn't enough, 
without the marketing behind it.

Btw, I think we definitely need a feature lockdown for 0.9. 
Necessary refactoring, bug fixing, yes, but no new areas to 
conquer. Spring is big enough for the near future; we need to 
tidy up and start selling it.

Regards,
Rod