How the JSF Converter f:convertDateTime works?

Question

I have a question concerning the JSF Converter

f:convertDateTime

I i use this converter in this context (bean.date represent the Java class java.util.Date ):

<h:inputText id="date" value="#{bean.date}" label="Enter Date" >
   <f:convertDateTime pattern="d-M-yyyy" />
</h:inputText>

Works this converter only to format xhtml page for the user in the response from the webserver?

Or will the entered value formatted with the pattern dM-yyyy , if the request was send to the webserver and stored in the backing bean with the pattern format dM-yyyy ?

Is it possivle to insert some Date values from xhtml page into backing bean without using any kind of f:convertDateTime or is this absolutly necessary?

Greetz Marwief

Answer 1

The converter is used for conversions both ways and it is needed because there are so many ways to write dates.

You don't have to use a converter if you use a date specific JSF component. Component libraries like Richfaces and Primefaces offer date components which won't require a converter and will directly validate user input.