Oracle Application Development Framework (ADF) is a Java framework that simplifies enterprise application development. It is based on the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture and leverages Java EE standards and open-source technologies. ADF allows developers to focus on application logic rather than coding details through its declarative nature. The document provides a comparison of ADF and Oracle Application Framework (OAF) in terms of technology stack, layers, features, and development processes. It also outlines an ADF learning roadmap focusing on Java skills, JDeveloper IDE, tutorials, videos, and key topics like ADF Faces, controllers, and bindings.

1. ARCHITECTURE COMPARISON (BOTH ARE
BASED ON MVC)
OAF ADF

2. ADF – SALIENT FEATURES
Oracle ADF is a commercial Java framework for building enterprise
applications
ADF is an end-to-end application framework that builds on Java
Platform, Enterprise Edition (Java EE) standards and open-source
technologies. It is based on MVC architecture.
Oracle ADF can be used to implement enterprise solutions that
search, display, create, modify, and validate data using web, wireless,
desktop, or web services interfaces.
Because of its declarative nature, Oracle ADF simplifies and
accelerates development by allowing users to focus on the logic of
application creation rather than coding details.

3. TECHNOLOGY STACK COMPARISON
MVC Stack OAF ADF
View UIX + EBS-specific
extensions
ADF Faces ( Consists of 150
Ajax-enabled Java Server
Faces (JSF) components)
Model BC4J + EBS-specific
Extensions
ADF-Model + ADF-Business
Components (BC4J)
Controller OAF Controller ADF Controller (It provides
enhanced navigation and
state management model
on top of JSF's controller
layer)

4. TECHNOLOGY LAYERS COMPARISON
Technology Layers OAF ADF
MDS Yes Yes
JDeveloper Yes Yes
AOL ( EBS Application Object
Library)
Yes No

5. OTHER FEATURES COMPARISON
OAF ADF
Business Layers
Exposing BC4J components as web
services
Yes Yes
PL/SQL DML
operation support
Yes Yes
WHO column support Yes No
Workflow
Oracle Workflow
integration
Yes No
BPEL integration No Yes

6. OAF APPLICATION/PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
PROCESS
I
•Create application workspace
II
•Implement declarative BC4J AM
III
•Create declarative EO, EO Association, VO, VL
IV
•Create Menu for app
V
•Create OA UI components
VI •Create CO
VII
•Implement AM Code (If needed)
VIII •Implement EO, VO Business Logic (If needed)
IX •Test the application
X •Deploy the application

7. ADF APPLICATION/PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
PROCESS
I
•Create application workspace
II
•Model DB Objects
III
•Create use Cases
IV
•Design app control & Navigation
V
•Identify Shared Resources
VI
•Create business components to access data
VII
•Implement the user interface with JSF
VIII
•Bind UI components to data using ADF Model
IX •Incorporate validation and error handling
X •Secure the application
XI •Test the application
XII
•Deploy the application

8. PROJECTS/DIRECTORY STRUCTURES
COMPARISON
OAF ADF

9. ADF LEARNING ROAD MAP
(HOW WOULD YOU BRIDGE THE LEARNING GAP AND WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER KEY
SKILLSET TO WORK UPON TO GET THERE. )
1. Brush up Java skills, Java EE Architecture & get familiar with Jdeveloper 12C IDE.
2. Complete tutorials from the below links covering the below topics:
 Develop rich web application using ADF.
 Develop web application using EJB, JPA, and Java Server Faces
 ADF Faces (Develop UI with ADF Faces Rich Client Components)
 ADF Controller (Bounded Task Flows, Regions and Routers)
 ADF Binding (Use Bean Control data)
 ADFDI (Develop Excel sheets that integrate with ADF)
https://docs.oracle.com/cd/E53569_01/tutorials/toc.htm
3. Watch below videos:
 ADF Insider Basics, Essentials & Advanced (11g)
https://www.oracle.com/database/technologies/developer-tools/adf/adf-insider.html#Basics
https://www.oracle.com/database/technologies/developer-tools/adf/adf-insider.html#Essentials
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ON5AGc24DSc&list=PLbbJy7LxchQPWxd5p0YUqks5KCP-aPIEL&index=14
Other playlists:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTIt_rFgJTircZoQvUuMcEaN6AKlOqfE2, & Firebox training on Youtube (11g version)