Is Geoserver mandatory for developing GIS web application in Java using Ol4JSF in NetBeans IDE?

Question

I am developing a GIS web application which involves querying and creating map layers dynamically (like page getting refreshed for every 5 minutes) and also static querying etc... This application interacts with PostgreSQL for non-spatial data rendering.. I am using NetBeans to develop the application. Is it mandatory to use Geoserver in the project? FYI, I am planning to use OL4JSF with Jsp to render the maps in browser where user interactions will be carried out.

If Geoserver is mandatory, let me know why?

Answer 1

Geoserver is not mandatory. If you need a WFS or WMS or WMTS or WPS or CSW or WCS server for your application needs, it is an option, but there are other options for all of those, in open source and proprietary forms. If you are looking for open source options, many are listed at OSGeo - see the project links under Web Mapping and Metadata Catalog headings.

Use what you need. Don't use what you don't.

If you have a more specific question about how to do something in particular, feel free to ask that, as another question.