|
|
|
|
News - Articles/Tutorials/Code/Reviews - JSP/Servlet Hosting Companies - Links |
|
|
Author: David M. Geary Publisher: Sun Microsystems Press/Prentice Hall Date: 2001 Pages:469 ISBN: 0130307041 |
Reviewed by
At last! A JSP book that is geared only towards advanced developers. Geary's approach is quite unique compared to other current JSP books. The preface says it straight out.
This book begins where most introductory books leave off, by showing you how to implement JSP custom tags...Subsequent chapters cover HTML forms, JSP templates, Model 1 and Model 2 architectures, and simple Model 2 framework, handling events, internationalization, security, databases, and XML.
Notice the preface excerpt doesn't say this is a novel, read it front to back. Nor does the preface excerpt mention anything about reviewing JSP basics, or even mention how to install a JSP environment. At first I was quite displeased by this, but then I realized it was actually quite nice.
What I liked:
I've read quite a few JSP titles, already have a nice JSP setup, don't need another reference, and the JSP basics are practically tattooed on the back of my hands. What I do enjoy is seeing how others implement JSP/Servlet projects, and then pondering how I might apply any concepts learned.
A big part of Geary's book is exactly this. You won't find any JSP review prior to custom tag libraries. The book does test all examples using Tomcat (some with Resin), but it is up to you to have a JSP environment ready. From there it is a collection of advanced uses and concepts for developing with JSP. There is no particular order, but sometimes a chapter or two will build on each other and thus be placed together. In a nutshell, Geary takes many of the advanced topics seen in the JSP community and demonstrates them well.
Many of the topics Geary covers are what you will commonly see asked in JSP forums and listservs. Geary didn't just choose a bunch of today's buzz-words and write a book. Reading through this book will definitely expand your knowledge base as a JSP developer.
What I didn't like:
Structure is good. I enjoy seeing a book build upon itself, and then having an author step you in to some heavy concepts. This book has good material, but sometimes jumps around and much is assumed. Especially since this is not the continuation of any previous text.
Some of the material is quickly changing. It is well worth noting that the JSP 1.2 and Servlet 2.3 specifications are now final. This text was based primarily on JSP 1.1 and the Servlet 2.2 specification. The book deals heavily with custom tags and JSP 1.2 happens to add many improvements in this area. Additionally Servlet filters are a truly excellent new edition to the Servlet 2.3 specification. Geary mentions this briefly in an appendix, but can't do much more then introduce filters because the book was published before the Servlet 2.3 specification was finalized. These new features will surely have an impact on many of this book's examples.
Would I recommend it:
Yes, the book is very well done and contains a lot of helpful information. If you have read a good JSP book before, this is an excellent title to continue with. Keep an eye out for the next edition.
Browse all of the JSP Insider source-code.
Questions or comments? Contact support@jspinsider.com.
Copyright © 2002 Amberjack Software LLC.