Core Servlets and Javaserver Pages: Core Technologies, Vol. 1 (2nd Edition) by Marty Hall

Description

Marty Hall's Core Servlets and JavaServer Pages was the number 1 servlet/JSP book in 2000 — helping over 100,000 Java developers master the power of Java server-side programming to Web-enable an extraordinary range of applications. Now, Hall takes the next step, bringing together even more powerful servlet/JSP techniques. The second edition of Core Servlets and JavaServer Pages provides a complete introduction to the technology, completely updated for JSP 2.0, servlets 2.4, the JSP Standard Tag Library (JSTL), and Java 1.4. This book serves both beginning and advanced developers. For beginning servlet and JSP developers, the book provides clear step-by-step coverage of the basic topics. For programmers already experienced with servlet and JSP technology, the book provides in-depth discussion of advanced topics, complete coverage of newly introduced capabilities, and practical design strategies. J2EE technology is the leading technology for building Web applications and services, and servlet and JSP technology is the heart of the J2EE platform. Servlets and JSP are the most popular way to build Web applications: every Java and Web developer needs to know this. JSP 2.0 will fundamentally change how servlet and JSP technology is used, so even experienced developers need to read this book!

Editorial Review

In the Java universe, the interface layer of the ubiquitous model-view-controller (MVC) software design paradigm is handled by either servlets of JavaServer Pages (JSP). The second edition of Core Servlets and JavaServer Pages, like its predecessor, documents these handy technologies fully and practically. Far more than a straight API reference, this book presents examples–complete with code and a listing or screen shot showing results–wherever possible. It's a fantastic strategy for communicating to programmers what they need to do in order to achieve the effects and behaviors they desire. What's new in the second edition? Lots, in terms of its eponymous software development environments: The book covers servlets 2.4 and JSP 2.0. The examples are more refined, too, and more attention is paid to supporting technologies like Web and database servers.

The didactic approach of authors Marty Hall and Larry Brown is recipe-like. They typically begin with a statement of a problem to be solved, then discuss relevant aspects of the servlet or JSP API. A series of code listings follows, and screen shots showing results bring up the rear. The net effect is that it's easy to spot relevant sections in the table of contents, it's clear how implementation works (thanks to the extensive listings) and there's no doubt about what the results are supposed to be. More elaborate examples show how servlets and JSP work in shopping cart, auction, and other applications. This is a significant and worthwhile update to an important Java book. –David Wall

Topics covered: Java servlets 2.4, JavaServer Pages (JSP) 2.0 (including the new expression language), HTML forms, JDBC database connectivity, and the details of how servlets and JSP are implemented in Apache Tomcat, Caucho Resin, and Macromedia JRun.