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Selecting dashboard technology - extjs, flex, angularjs etc [duplicate]

This question already has an answer here:
Does Adobe Flex have the ability to compile into HTML/JavaScript?
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Closed 6 years ago.
To give a brief background I am a C++ programmer who has worked mainly on back-end systems, but now has to develop a front-end gui (mainly an interactive dashboard with lots of charts and comparisons and so on) as well along with a back-end financial system.
Few years back I had worked on a similar project and used Flex to develop a dashboard. But searching the net, it seems that Flex is not well supported anymore (nobody pouring money on it) and will go out of fashion soon (Am I right???). So I continued searching and the names that popped up are ExtJS (which was prevalent few year back) and AngularJS (heard it for the first time now). Spent some time searching both and both seems fine. So can you dashboard developers please help answer the following questions (as well as provide important input that I may be overlooking right now):
Cross-Compatibility: Need to develop desktop and mobile apps along with web page.
Prevalence: I will need to learn the technologies. Would prefer it they are popular and widely used
Dashboard features: Stuff like ability to go into bar graph and pie charts and stuff.
Ease of programming: Quality of Editors/IDE available, speed of programming etc.
Anything important that I am missing

In my opinion, I would go with Flex, because:
You already know it
Flex is a "compact" solution to your problem. Web frameworks imply you to learn a lot of new things. AngularJS is certainly cool but every web tek require you to master JS, CSS (I hate it), HTML, FireBug, PhoneGap, .... Web teks are a mess (IMHO !!!)
Coming from C++, working with Flex is more comfortable than web tek. Dependency injection is cool but it's a new vision of the world. JS is really powerfull but is (also) a functional language and you will need to get a "lambda mind".
Two year ago I decided to try ExtJS to make a dashboard for an hospital. I gave up after some days when happened that finding and solving a simple bug in my simple app took me a full day! [I forgot a parenthesis. The page didn't open saying nothing at all).
I'm now trying to learn Flex because I need to produce a simple app for smartphone (I'm a newbie in that) that should be ready in a month and with Flex I think it's easier for me to succeed than with any web tech framework. I know that Flex future is obscure but I think it's too good to be killed even if Google's pressure is strong ;)

No-one seems to be keen to answer this question - I guess because it's a definitely going to be an opinon based answer. I'll give it a go...
To answer your first question - Flex is if not on the way out, at least on a low simmer. Adobe Flash Builder 4.7 (the main Flex tooling IDE) has not been updated for well over a year now and I can't see any updates on the horizon.
Apache, who now own the codebase are doing a nice job with updates, but progress is slow.
One possible bright area is FlexJS, a compiler that outputs Javascript and HTML. It's still alpha at the moment, but it could be an option.
I've never developed in ExtJS, but it seems it's time has come and gone - it's still used, but it's definitely been superseded by Angular and other frameworks such as Knockout.
Cross-Compatibility - AngularJS works is almost all browsers from IE8 up and that includes most modern mobile browsers. People often use JQuery Mobile in combo with Angular and Bootstrap to get the functionality they need. Bootstrap is responsive, so if you lay out your UI correctly, it should work for all devices.
Flex is also cross compatible in the form of Adobe Air, but it's less easy to get it onto people's devices - they need to download the Air framework.
AngularJS is the number one framework by a huge margin at the moment - and it's still growing. Check out this graph from google trends. The combination of technologies includes Javascript, CSS, Grunt, Bower, Node.js and concepts such as dependency injection, MVC and responsive layout - all this stuff is useful for other projects. Once you master Angularjs, you'll be ready for a lot of other stuff.
Learning Flex seems to be a bit of a dead end at the moment - you'll notice the absence of any recent Flex blog posts. It's not cool right now, and it's just too uncertain if it's going to survive.
Using Angularjs and D3 for example is reasonably straightforward - a web search will show lots of examples here. Plus you can do basic drawing using svg elements directly in your HTML code. Here's a nice article on the subject.
Since Angular is a Javascript framework, there are many many options here - you could use SublimeText, Atom, PhpStorm or one of many other choices. As I said earlier, your choices are much more limited if you choose Flex.
Finally, don't forget that this is all just my opinion, but Angularjs is just really fun to develop in - binding is just so cool. So are directives. Dependency injection just rocks. I think you'll like it!
Sorry for the bias here, but I can't help it!!
Hopefully this writeup helps you a little. Good luck.

AngularJS is a good choice for complex web application (both desktop and mobile).
There is a project that implements Dashboard/Widgets functionality with AngularJS.
GitHub source code https://github.com/DataTorrent/malhar-angular-dashboard
live demo http://datatorrent.github.io/malhar-angular-dashboard/#/
more advanced demo (charts, etc.) http://datatorrent.github.io/malhar-dashboard-webapp/#/
It targets desktop browsers so far but has a lot of features:
Adding/removing widgets
Widgets are instantiated dynamically (from corresponding directive or template)
Widgets drag and drop (with jQuery UI Sortable)
Horizontal and vertical widgets resize
Fluid layout (widgets can have percentage-based width, or have width set in any other unit)
Any directive or template can be a widget
Connecting widgets to real-time data (WebSocket, REST, etc.)
Changing widget data source dynamically (from widget options)
Saving widgets state to local storage
Multiple Dashboard Layouts

How to create Re-Usable web control library

Question background:
Hello everyone, I have been developing windows form application for my employer for about 3 years. Though most of my works are amateurish. I've been using visual studio, c#, enjoying creating re-usable windows form controls by sub-classing and other techniques. Now my boss want me to make website for this company, the first thinking in my mind is to create re-usable WEB controls just like windors form application.
The methods I have tried
Web User Control, At very first, I found visual studio support developer to create Web User Control, with file extension as *.ascx. I was very exciting to find this because I thought I can create Web controls just like I did in windows form application development. BUT, it's a very big "BUT", I then found that it cannot be embed to assembly file (DLL), and either can it be displayed in ToolBox to support drag and drop in web page design time. AFAIK from msdn, the Web User Control is not intended to be re-used across projects. So I give up this method.
Server Control, then I found there is Custom Server Control can be created to support assembly embed and ToolBox. It's a *.cs file that written with a class which sub-classing from System.Web.UI.WebControls.WebControl or System.Web.UI.WebControls.CompositeControl. Good point is that this is exactly what I want: re-usability and design-time support. HOWEVER, the huge disadvantage is that it doesn't support drag-drop when creating the web control itself. The control can only be rendered by html written in c# or be created by code. And I have to embed css/javascript to the control if I want to create more beautiful, complicated or efficient control. Anyway, from MSDN, Server Control is what I need.
Pure HTML, Javascript (jQuery), CSS, actually I've beening working with Server Control method for a while, just in order to make my boss happy. But I still cannot stop thinking about other better solutions. From my understanding, web page is not that complicated, it's simply constructed (please correct me if I'm wrong) by HTML tag, javascript (or other scripting language), CSS to manipulate UI. So I believe if I create web control by pure Html, Javascript and CSS, it will be of course more complicated but more compatible. Because Server Control solution requires the web server support .Net Framework, which is not free and limited to Microsoft scope. If I have a way to get rid of .Net, why NOT? I'm willing to spend double-time to create Re-Usable control if it's worthy to do. For example, if I want to turn to PHP to create web page, I might have to acquire the technique to create my web control simply by HTML, Javascript and CSS.
My question
Speaking all of the above, is it even possible to create my web control library only based on Html, Javascript and CSS?
If so, is there any tutorial about this method?
I really would like to know that how does commercial/professional company create web page.
Thank you everyone, any advice will be very much appreciated!

Speaking all of the above, is it even possible to create my web control library only based on Html, Javascript and CSS?
In strict speak, the controls you have become accustomed to support the aforementioned. This will continue work in future projects created in WebForms.
However, if you foray into MVC then there is a striking difference. Most of the controls that handle input are client side (which can be wrapped in js wigets and user validation classes). On the other hand there is very little server controls, however there are _MasterLayouts and Views that can make use of PartialViews a PartialView is similar to a Web User Control. In your Controller you can return EditTemplates and other types that would be similar to Server Controls

After digging for a few days, I almost give up creating my own javascript library not just only for web widget(UI), neither I would like to use third-part js frameworks because:
Cost too much time: as it says: 'do not reinvent the wheel', well, I accept/disagree with this point half by half. But now, I simply do not have too much time on it. It really really cost time, can hardly complish by an individual person.
A lot javascript frameworks are so great, like dojo, yui, jqui, as #dandavis commented, BUT, the usage of some is difficult, at least for me (as a js beginner), especially dojo. Dojo is very powerful, AFAIK, but it's hard to implement and use. I followed official tutorial to create my own web widget, spend a hour and not get it done. I might give up too fast?
I still want to dig asp.net with ajax, it is much powerful. And can easily manipulate on server side.
Well, I don't know if it's an answer but this is my personal end of my question. Thanks a lot guys.

How to implement a UI Kit into a website?

I have a psd version of a UI Kit that I would like to implement into the forms, etc, on my website. It's similar to the one below - which is "Chutzpah" by Morgan Allan Knutson (#rnorgan)...I'd show mine, but I don't have a screenshot. This will demonstrate the same concept, though.
image from http://designmoo.com/2435/chutzpah-user-interface-kit/, where you can download his kit.
What tools do I need to utilize to do this? Can I do it simply with CSS, or do I need to use some client side scripting? Or, is this something that is really just for mobile applications?

Essentially, the design part will be done in CSS; some of the elements you show can't be fully styled in their native browser represenations however (like <select>), so you will need the assistance of JavaScript-powered widgets that allow for more design freedom.
Maybe jQuery UI (which is a set of jQuery-powered widgets and surely one of the best UI tools around) is interesting for you. It is completely themable and even has a tool for building your own themes, ThemeRoller. It will not be enough for every aspect of your implementation, but may provide a good starting point.
Note that using jQuery UI comes with dependencies (jQuery) and limitations (no other JS library should be used on the site).
Whichever road you take, be prepared for a lot of fiddly work.

Rich Javascript UI Frameworks, EXT, DOJO and YUI

Disclaimer & Long Winding Question Approaching
I know topics like this have been beaten to death here so suffice to say I'm not asking about which framework is better, I don't really care about opinions on the better framework. They all do pretty amazing things.
The Question
Given that I have an existing web application, made of mostly regular HTML+CSS (jQuery where needed), which is the optimal framework to integrate a few "rich" pages into typically a regular stream of HTML.
Reason
I am trying to bring our proven application into the realm of awesome desktop like UI but I want to do it one small piece, one screen at time. But for our users, support personel and especially me taking it slow is the only option.
Also, with our branding requirements having a framework that just takes over the viewport isn't an option, it has to play nice with other HTML on the screen.
Imagine the example being a rich user manager in an otherwise plain HTML+CSS environment.
Experience Thus Far
Dojo + Dijit
Pros: The new 1.5 widgets plus the claro theme is the cure for what ails us. Dojo seems to be able to use markup to create the UI which is very appealing and has a fair amount of widgets.
Cons: Holy bloated lib Batman! Dojo seems to be enormous and I have to learn a custom build system to get it to stop requesting 4,800 javascript files. This complex empire of Javascript makes me believe I won't be able to create much that isn't already there.
ExtJS
Pros: Amazing set of widgets, does everything we could possibly want. Seems quick, every version brings new improvements.
Cons: I'm not sure how to use this without the entire display being EXT. I'm still building a web site, so I would prefer something that could integrate into what we already have. Some pointers here would be great.
YUI
Pros: Well, it's Yahoo isn't it? AWS console is downright wicked. Plenty of support and a giant community.
Cons: Well, it's Yahoo isn't it? AWS console is the only wicked thing. Complex for someone who's used to jQuery.
Help Me
I am willing to accept experience, links to ways to solve problems I've outlined, new toolkits (even though I'm pretty sure I've seen most by now) or even just advice.

Regarding ExtJS, it's pretty easy to start it in an existing div with something like this:
Ext.onReady(function() {
App = new Ext.Panel({...})
App.render('div-id')
});
The App panel can then have it's own layout manager.

This might be useful if you're familiar with jQuery, but not yet familiar with YUI 3 syntax: http://www.jsrosettastone.com/
Each of the libs you listed is excellent. When embarking on a larger scale project, the quality of a lib's documentation, community, and commitment to support become more relevant.

With Dojo, keep in mind that outside of dojo base, it only ever loads what you tell it to. But yes, without a built layer, that means it could easily end up requesting 50 JS files at startup for a large application using a bunch of widgets.
There are several pages in the reference guide documenting the build script: http://www.dojotoolkit.org/reference-guide/build/index.html
Rebecca Murphey wrote a nice blog post outlining an example app and build profile that you might find illuminative: http://blog.rebeccamurphey.com/scaffolding-a-buildable-dojo-application
If you get stuck, there's likely to be people in the Dojo IRC channel that can help.
RE ExtJS: I'm not sure what your exact situation is, but keep in mind that if you're intending to use it in commercial non-open-source software, you need to pay for licenses: http://www.sencha.com/store/js/
I'm a little curious as to why you think the size / number of requests is specifically an issue with Dojo though. I haven't used the others, but I'd expect it to be somewhat of a potential concern with any of them.

ExtJs Vs Ext GWT Vs SmartGWT

I am going to start a new application which mainly consist NavigationPane, Grid, Toolbar. Layout should look like this demo page http://www.gwt-ext.com/demo/
I am quite confused which one to use in terms of writing less code, more performant, etc..
Could someone tell the pros and cons of all these technologies.
All the while I coded in javascript, so that way ExtJs seems to be the easy one for me to code. But I am curios to try GWT Ext, Is it true that it could do a lot just by writing few lines of java code.
For eg: To achieve the layout ( given in above gwt ext demo url), which one should I opt ExtJs or GWT Ext.
I read SmartGWT is relatively slower than GwtEXT. Does it have any advantage over GWT EXT. I am also looking for hibernate based data modules ( as my application is going to have many database calls). Anyone of SmartGWT or GWTExt has support for such modules. I came to know that smartgwt doesn't offer all of smartclient enterprise version functionalities, that we are allowed only a few of smartclient features. Will it be an issue?
Your response is highly appreciated.

The GWT-Ext main page now says
"GWT-Ext is no longer under active development and has been superseded by Smart GWT. Assistance will be provided to existing users of GWT-Ext looking to migrate to Smart GWT."
so why would anyone use it?

To write the least code, use SmartGWT Pro. It provides a wizard that allows you to just pick from a list of Hibernate entities you've created, and instantly you have the ability to perform all CRUD operations on that entity, no code required. Then you can add business logic.
The wizard:
http://www.smartclient.com/smartgwtee/showcase/#tools_hibernate_wizard
The link about is just screenshots, but there are several Hibernate samples in the showcase. See especially the Master-Detail Batch Load and Save sample.
As far as performance, real-world performance of most enterprise apps is dictated by how often the application has to contact the server. In this area SmartGWT has a large lead because of features like Adaptive Filtering (see the Featured area in the SmartGWT showcase).
Almost all reports we receive of SmartGWT being "slow" are due to having Firebug enabled. Disable Firebug and performance is fine, so normal end users will never perceive slowness.

About 6 months ago, we studied whether we would use ExtJS or GWT-Ext for an internal application. We wanted the back-end to be J2EE standard frameworks (struts, spring, hibernate for persistence, etc.). We ended up choosing ExtJS because it seemed to us that GWT was not stable enough (too many changes in the API that is still recent), and Ext-GWT was always lagging behind in development.

application which mainly consist NavigationPane, Grid, Toolbar.
Well, this tells us a lot about your app, doesn't it :)
I think it comes down to how good you are at either Java or JavaScript. They are quite a different languages you know :) But if you are well-versed at both but only used Ext JS, then picking up Ext GWT (or GWT Ext, if you meant that), shouldn't be such a great deal. And if that application you are planning is going to be as simple and small as your description of it, then it's probably a perfect opportunity to try out something new.

I use GWT-Ext and it is quite good especially if you don't mind tweaking things with JSNI to customize the already existing Ext widgets it is incredibly powerful. Unfortunately development is stagnant, so my future projects will probably be either in SmartGWT or Ext-GWT. SmartGWT is written by Sanjiv Jivan (same guy who wrote GWT-Ext) and it has most of the widgets we need. I must say most of the skins are quite dated except the Enterprise skin which looks good, but you can always roll your own skin.