Play! Framework

We've coded Java since its inception, and Play! is one of the finest general-purpose Java web application stacks we've worked with.

Robust, scalable, enterprise functionality wrapped in the body of a lightweight, flexible, rapid-development environment gives Play! the ideal toolset for an all-around outstanding value proposition.

NorthPoint has deep experience in Java and Java web development using a conventional JEE (J2EE) stack: servlets, JSPs, EJBs.  Recently we've seen a revolution in Play!, which offers a gigantic leap forward in productivity, ease of maintenance, and scalability, and feel that it offers an attractive alternative to the conventional JEE stack in many scenarios.

What is unique about Play!

  • Applications written in 100% Java: quick learning curve for existing Java developers, full access to all Java libraries, easy integration with existing systems
  • Java's type system provides inherent advantages over languages like Ruby or Python when it comes to ease of refactoring and coordination of large team efforts
  • Completely stateless for unlimited scalability
  • Elegant built-in solutions to standard pain points such as production vs dev configurations, hibernate + jpa configuration, server setup, continuous build systems, enterprise caching, security, and resource permissioning
  • Flexible (and configurable) template system makes alternative site versions a breeze (mobile/WML, international, handicap accessible, JSON services)
  • Provides automatic RESTful API for free, with highly configurable routing
  • Promotes rapid prototypes that are highly functional and easily extensible into a robust, scalable, finished product
  • 100% open source.  No developer license hassles, no mysterious black-box code, no restrictions, plus a highly active community behind it with numerous prebuilt modules for common needs

Experience with Play!

We've found Play! to be an excellent choice in both simple single-tiered as well as complex multi-tiered architectures.  

On the front end, its elegant template & Java integration have allowed us to create highly responsive and interactive UIs through Ajax + jQuery seemlessly integrated with Java controllers and services, while still keeping the view completely decoupled from application logic for maximum code reuse even while supporting orthoganally different views.

In middle and back-end tiers, its robust, stateless, RESTful Java design have allowed us great flexibility to implement highly reusable and reliable SOA services to produce enterprise-level capabilities without the traditional enterprise-level bloat. 

Combined with our experience in leveraging all that this fantastic framework offers, the Play! framework has consistently delivered outstanding results for us and our clients.