A Web application framework for creating Web-based applications is described. The framework includes an abstract command tag that predefines at least some generic Web application activities. When using the framework, one specifies at least one custom action that is desired to be performed by a Web application under development. In one embodiment, this includes creating a customized command tag that is capable of being embedded within a Web page. The customized command tag includes the ability to conditionally execute the specified custom action based on run-time conditions. The customized command tag is embedded in a Web page of the Web application.