jsf 2 - Can we check if page already has a form and avoid inner forms in jsf 2.2 -

we create command links on page. same command link used on different page of web site. when first created because page not have form.

scenario 1

page (no form on page)

• some text

• need link. so, create command link surrounded form.

scenario 2

page b (reuse commandlink page on page b)

<h:form>   text   need link. so, create command link surrounded form.    reuse commandlink component pagea </h:form> 

throws error, inner form exception.

1. cannot use h:link because of url issues.
2. can use h:outputlink instead of commandlink avoid form issues?
3. can create custom jsf component create commandlink. check if form exists on page. if yes, not add form. if no, add form around commandlink.

as rule, not put h:form tags in jsf components. h:form tag should wrap component in page you're using it, not in component itself. way you'll able mix them other components in same form providing more flexibility, @ little price of having 2 more lines of code. that's how done in public component libraries, take primefaces as example.

apart that, bear in mind h:commandlink fires post request server, while seem talking plain links. in general, h:commandlink used when don't know destination url @ time view renders. suggest avoid use other case, because still you've got h:link jsf destinations , h:outputlink external destinations, use plain html anchor element. and, definitely, firing get request doesn't require h:form tag.

see also:

• "this link deactivated, because not embedded in jsf form."