SiteMesh

If you're in need of a software that helps create large websites with consistency in look, feel, navigation, and layout, SiteMesh is an excellent option. This software has the ability to intercept requests to any static or dynamically generated HTML page requested through the web server. SiteMesh then proceeds to parse the page and obtain all properties and data from the content. It then generates an appropriate final page with modifications to the original, utilizing the well-known GangOfFour Decorator design pattern.

Another feature of SiteMesh is that it can incorporate entire HTML pages as a Panel within another page - this is similar to a server-side include. However, the HTML document will be modified to create a visual window within a page using the document's metadata as an aid. This feature is especially useful in creating Portal type web sites effectively and quickly. SiteMesh utilizes the GangOfFour Composite design pattern for this feature.

This software is built using Java 2 with Servlet, JSP, and XML technologies. It's perfect for use with J2EE applications as well as with server-side web architectures that aren't Java-based such as CGI, Cold Fusion, PHP, Perl, C, C++, and more. SiteMesh is also highly extensible, designed in a way that makes it easy to extend for custom needs.

Overall, SiteMesh is an excellent software for those looking to create a large website with consistency in design and layout. Its ability to intercept requests and generate an appropriate page with modifications to the original is impressive. Also, the incorporation of entire HTML pages as Panels within another page is an added bonus. Its compatibility with different web architectures and extensibility make it a great option for custom needs.