Ch01

The Story of ToDoZK

To do with ZK or not to do with ZK, that's the question. -- Shake Spear

This is a story in Pond Lion Corporation. They recently got a web develop case, customer want an online task management site and must use ZK framework (sensible choice!). So Dough Nut (Boss) call his right hand man: Shake Spear (System Architect).

Dough Nut : I'm handing this case over to you now. The customer has already gave us a rough specification, site map and a very conceptual layout. Well, you know, can't expect too much from customers these days... I'm also giving you Mummy Pythian, who is already learning ZK, and web artist Conqueror Clipper to support you. Better not mess up with this, or you'll be dead meat...

Shake Spear: (Why not use JSF? I like JSF, and we never use ZK before! WTF!!!) ...... I am most obliged to your majesty for your kindness... Orz

Shake Spear read the Custom Specification, (https://docs.google.com/a/potix.com/presentation/d/1LTrovWp4tH4V-2AILuGxH_OIeyyivQJHEF8ATWiN2pg)
then cram up ZK documents.

Shake Spear : Wow... I can create RIA(Rich Internet Application) website without write any JavaScript. Server-side Java code and client-side JavaScript code work together seamlessly. ZK built-in components is complete and powerful. Perfect! This project can run happily. /

After few days, in progress synchronized meeting:

Mummy Pythian : The progress is delay so much.

Shake Spear : What? What happen?
Conqueror Clipper : I can't coding and build ZK environment, don't know how to use ZK component when design layout. The only way is beg Mummy's help, waste much time.
Mummy Pythian : That's ok, not a big problem. Conqueror can just provide the layout design then I implement in ZK. My point is that make a pure static page with ZK make me feel stupid, the initial waiting time and response time is slow. I bet a case of beer, it will be more serious when system online.
Conqueror Clipper : Moreover, the DOM structure ZK generate is so complex, override CSS is a trouble routine.
Shake Spear : Wait... wait a second, are you really use ZK? What you say is very opposite of my impression and expectation.
Mummy Pythian：「According to your instructions, whole website is written with ZK, right?
Shake Spear：...... (WTF? Is using ZK wrong? Does this project will collapse? No... I don't want die... No...)

Is using ZK wrong? No, ZK is so nice, Shake Spear must have misunderstood!

Like Confucius say: "Don't use a sledgehammer on a nut." Yes, we can use a sledgehammer on a nut, but is necessary? After all, what we want is flesh (quick develop, close case successfully), not the master title of sledgehammer (do everything with ZK).

So, what's the problem of Shake Spear's thought? Let us start at the beginning.