Java Servlet Programming (Second Edition)

Aimed at Web developers with some previous Java experience, Java Servlet Programming, Second Edition, offers a solid introduction to the world of Java development with Servlets and related technologies. Thoroughly revised and newly updated with over a half-dozen new chapters, this title brings an already useful text up to speed with some leading-edge material. It excels particularly in explaining how to program dynamic Web content using Java Servlets, with a fine introduction to all the APIs, programming techniques, and tips you will need to be successful with this standard.

Besides a useful guide to APIs, the book looks at a variety of techniques for saving session state, as well as showing how Servlets can work together to power Web sites. You will learn performance tips and ways to get Servlets to work together (like forwarding and redirection), plus the basics of database programming with JDBC, to build content with "live" data. A later chapter examines what's next for Servlets with the emerging Servlet 2.3 API standard. Importantly, the authors go over deploying and configuring Web applications by editing XML files, a must-have for successfully running Servlets in real applications.

Since the first edition of this title, the choices for Java Web developers have grown much richer. Many of the new chapters in this edition look at options beyond Servlets. Short sections on application frameworks such as Tea, WebMacro, the Element Construction Set (ECS), XMLC, and JavaServer Pages (JSP) let you explore what's out there for Java developers today with a survey of some current tools that can speed up creating new Web applications.

The text closes with reference sections on Servlet APIs (and other material) that will be useful for any working developer. Although Servlets are not the only game in town, they are still important tools for successful Web development. This updated edition shows you just how to do it with plenty of basic and advanced tips for taking full advantage of this powerful Java standard. --Richard Dragan

Topics covered:

Overview and history of Java Servlets Fundamentals of HTTP Web applications (including deployment and configuration using XML files) The Servlet lifecycle (initializing, processing requests, cleanup, and caching) Multimedia content (images and compressed content) WAP and WML for wireless content Servlet session tracking techniques (hidden form fields, cookies, and URL rewriting) Security issues with Servlets (including certificates and SSL) Tutorial for JDBC and Java database programming Using applets and Servlets together Servlet collaboration Quick introduction to Java 2 Enterprise Edition (J2EE) Internationalization issues Survey of third-party Servlet application frameworks and tools: Tea, WebMacro, the Element Contruction Set (ECS), XMLC, and JavaServer Pages (JSP) Miscellaneous tips for Servlets (including sending e-mail and using regular expressions) Description of the new Servlet 2.3 API spec Servlet API quick reference