Re: [Springframework-developer] validation package + spring-beans.jar

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

> This raises a ***primary question*** of whether Spring is to be J2EE
> centric or if it is to have a broader scope. Our website and sourceforge
> project both emphasize its J2EE nature. If it is the latter, we should
> probably provide a convenient set of jars for non-J2EE developers. This
> would emphasize to developers (both Spring and users) that Spring is not
> just about J2EE. I realize that it may not be good to try to be too many
> things to too large an audience. Personally, I don't see why it needs to
> be limited to J2EE. I haven't given up on Java for desktop applications.
> What are your thoughts on this ???

Ken,

This is a good point. Spring is more than just a J2EE framework. Parts of it
are focused around J2EE APIs (web framework, EJB access and implementation)
but the basic concept is applicable to *all* Java applications. This is one
of the differentiators from Struts and co, and thank you for reminding me:
I'll say that in my forthcoming TSS article.

I've used Spring in non-J2EE server-side applications: effectively services
without a container.

Of course users can simply ignore the J2EE dependencies in unused classes in
Spring Jars.

Btw, last week someone asked me whether there were any plans for a .NET
port. While I have no plans for this, I think the basic architectural
approach would cross over nicely.

Regards,
Rod