What Is New in PrimeFaces 7.0
PrimeFaces 7.0 is a major release focused on upgrading the core framework and components to align with the latest Java EE and JSF standards. This version brings significant under-the-hood improvements for modern development.
| Category | Key Updates |
|---|---|
| New Features | New components like MultiSelectListBox, updated component suites. |
| Improvements | Upgraded to JSF 2.3, Bean Validation 2.0, and JAX-RS 2.1. |
| Bug Fixes | Numerous fixes across various components for stability. |
| Deprecations | Legacy Internet Explorer 10 support has been deprecated. |
What are the major dependency upgrades?
The core of this release is the alignment with newest Java EE 8 standards. We moved from JSF 2.2 to 2.3, which provides better integration with CDI and new EL features. Bean Validation 2.0 support means you can now use the new validation constraints like @Email and @NotBlank directly on your managed beans.
Upgrading to JAX-RS 2.1 improves how PrimeFaces handles RESTful web service integrations. In practice, this means more modern and efficient server communication for your applications.
Which new components were added?
PrimeFaces 7.0 introduces the MultiSelectListBox component. This gives developers another option for multi-selection scenarios alongside existing components like SelectCheckboxMenu. The choice depends on the specific UI pattern you're trying to achieve.
Several existing components from the PrimeFaces ecosystem also received updates and new features, expanding their functionality and making them more powerful for complex UIs.
How does browser support change?
Support for Internet Explorer 10 has been officially deprecated in this release. This matters because it allows the framework to utilize more modern web APIs and CSS features without being held back by legacy browser limitations.
The focus is now fully on modern evergreen browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. This shift results in a smaller codebase and better performance for the vast majority of users.
FAQ
Is PrimeFaces 7.0 compatible with Java EE 7?
While it targets Java EE 8, it should generally work with Java EE 7 containers. However, to use all new features like Bean Validation 2.0, you'll need a server that supports the newer standards.
What is the main reason to upgrade to 7.0?
The primary motivation is staying current with the Java EE/Jakarta EE platform. The JSF 2.3 upgrade alone brings valuable CDI integration improvements that simplify backend development.
Does this release change how I use AJAX?
The core AJAX functionality remains the same, but the underlying implementation benefits from the newer JSF and JAX-RS APIs, which can lead to more efficient client-server communication.
Are there any breaking changes I should worry about?
The deprecation of IE10 support is the most notable change. If you still have users on that browser, you'll need to plan for this or stick with an older PrimeFaces version.
How does Bean Validation 2.0 improve form handling?
It allows you to use the new validation annotations introduced in BV 2.0. This means more expressive and concise validation rules directly on your model, reducing boilerplate code.