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News - Articles/Tutorials/Code/Reviews - JSP/Servlet Hosting Companies - Links |
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***** IN THIS ISSUE **************************************************
News
1:Sun Prepares for .Net
2:First PHP Virus Found
3:Tomcat 4.0 Beta 1
Rambles
1:JSP 1.2
Links
1:Sun JSP Tutorial
2:Registering Domain Names
3:The Year ahead in IT
4:Not on the Net
5:JSP and XML Introduction
6:When Nielsen Speaks...
Main Topic
1:What a Dilemma!
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THE LATEST NEWS
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1) Sun Prepares for .Net (vnunet.com 1.6.2001)
In February Sun is expected to reveal its plan and software to
compete against Microsoft's .Net. A central part of the software
in this package will be the server package called Brazil.
Of course as ASP+ is a central part of .Net, it is reasonable to
connect the dots and suspect that JSP is a critical part of Sun's plans.
2) First PHP Virus Found (Central Command 1.5.2001)
A virus written in PHP has surfaced. The virus only effects the
Web server running the PHP script. According to Symantec
this is actually the second PHP virus and it has been around
since November. These viruses are of low risk and don't do much
damage.This is the first server-side virus I have heard about and
while this virus doesn't effect us as JSP developers yet, it is a
reminder we need to be extra careful in our security practices.
3)Tomcat 4.0 Beta 1 Released (01.05.2000)
The first full beta release of Tomcat 4.0 is out. Tomcat 4.0
is the reference implementation for JSP 1.2. If you are using
JSP 1.1 then stay with Tomcat 3.2.
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Rambles by Casey Kochmer
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*************************** JSP 1.2 ****************************
The time is fast approaching for JSP 1.2 to be released. I spent most
of this weekend huddled over the latest JSP specs. While not an exciting
weekend, I am very enthusiastic about the new JSP specs. JSP 1.2 is a
vast improvement over JSP 1.1 in its development capabilities.
This release fixes the major limitations of JSP 1.1 specifications
and also greatly expands what will be possible in JSP. Just imagine
no longer needing to flush the buffer when performing a jsp:include
action (and there was much rejoicing).
The reason I bring all this up, however, is not to review all the
wonderful features of the JSP 1.2 release, but rather to give a heads
up of what you can do to get ready for the new release. I summarize in
six words how you can get ready for JSP 1.2:
Tag Libraries, Tag Libraries, Tag Libraries!
I am now convinced tag libraries are going to propel JSP into new
territory and they will be a central part of any JSP developer's bag
of tricks. I strongly believe that tag libraries and JSP 1.2 will be
the most powerful server-side web application environment in the market
place for 2001. My New Year's prediction is that ASP+ will be playing
catch up to this release of JSP.
Three of the best resources include:
Wrox JSP Tag Extensions Example Chapter (available on the JSP Insider site).
Jakarta Taglibs
A collection of open source tag libraries to help illustrate what is
possible, providing concrete examples.
JSP 1.2 Specification
This document has plenty of great information. If you are not afraid
of jumping into the specs, you will learn details about JSP and how tag
libraries work.
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Links of Interest
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[Tutorial] Sun JSP Tutorial (Sun)
Sun has updated its' JSP Tutorial. It is now geared towards using
Tomcat 3.2 as the container of choice. Worth a look if you are new
to JSP.
[Article] Registering Domain Names (Mark Grossman 12.25.2000)
This article is both humorous and informational. It discusses the history
of domain name registration and legal implications. If you are just now
trying to get a domain name for yourself or your project then this is a
must-read article.
[Article] The Year ahead in IT (IDC 1.2.2001)
Ooooohhhh, pretty charts! See predictions for where and how the IT sector
will be spending money for the year 2001. All in all, this article paints
a nice picture (in full color charts) for Internet development in 2001.
[Article] Not on the Net (Alain Lefebvre 1.1.2001)
After looking forward it is only fitting to take a look back. What I love
about this article is that it is a healthy reminder that even with all the
change, many things are still the same.
[Article] JSP and XML Introduction (Marshall Lamb 12.1.2000)
This is a simple and brief introduction in using JSP to generate an XML
document rather than a HTML page. It is well suited for new JSP programmers,
however, advanced JSP programmers will not be interested in this article.
[Interview]When Nielsen Speaks... (Yvonne L. Lee 1.1.2001)
An interview with Jakob Nielsen and an overview about usability issues.
One of the best quotes of the interview is, "On the Internet, ease of use
comes first and transfer of money comes second. Revenues on the Web are
determined almost completely by usability."
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MAIN TOPIC by Casey Kochmer
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***** What a Dilemma! Where to Concentrate Resources in 2001? *****
Well, I don't have any pretty charts for this main topic. Instead
I will rely on crystal balls, tea leaves, a few tarot cards, some
out right guessing and lots of solid old fashion hand waving. Also,
to support the ever expanding XML modeling of our world, I am using
the newly created HandWaving XML DTD to make sure your email reader
or browser will be able to properly display the quality of this
presentation.
<HandWaving style="Hypnotic" tempo="Steady" mood="Reflective">
It's the actual start of a new Millennium and I was sent an innocent
email asking me for my opinion about the future of ASP+, JSP and the
mysteries of life in a non-Microsoft universe. Well, I am never one
not to give my opinion, even if might leave that fresh sock flavor.
(However, I foresee no toes in my diet at this time.) So forward to
view the mysterious brave new future.
</HandWaving>
<HandWaving style="Intermittent" tempo="Normal" mood="Assured">
Question Part 1:
How do you see the market share of Microsoft technology vs. Java
technology?
Answer:
I am not watching the exact numbers at this point in time. I believe the
numbers now are not a good indication of what the market will or will not
do at this point. The market is so fragmented right now that a person with
a statistical degree could probably show almost anything. Instead, I see
several strong leaders. At this point no single leader is apparent and it
really depends on region, sector and type of customer as well as which
particular product/vendor is strongest. Overall ASP/ASP+, JSP/Servlets and
PHP are the three best products at this time to be using for server-side
Web development, and they will remain solid for the foreseeable future. I
specifically watch the Pacific Northwest and, even in Microsoft's backyard,
JSP and PHP are strong, growing and vibrant.
</HandWaving>
<HandWaving style="BreakingASweat" tempo="Steady" mood="Pondering">
Question Part 2:
A friend tells me there is an entire non-MS universe out there that I'm
not aware of. Consequently I'm now worried that I'm missing a major
change somewhere.
Answer
Yes, your friend is correct and from what I am seeing the non-MS universe
is growing in size. I would also point out that jumping to that non-MS
universe may not be an easy thing to do, especially if you are already
strongly tied to MS products. I have eight solid years of programming
in the MS universe and I have jumped into the vast alternative universe
(and love it). I feel that half of the Microsoft-based programmers would
have a difficult time making a TOTAL shift out of using Microsoft products
and framework. I must also point out, however, you can still stay in
the MS universe and be a Java/JSP programmer too. A large and ever-expanding
middle ground lies among the various universes. This is where I have
settled and it's quite comfortable here.
So my advice right now is don't worry, and choose the platform that matches
your skills, abilities and interests. Overall, more than enough work is
available to go around in any universe and within the middle ground. I
believe it is more important to do what you enjoy and do well. Besides,
bigger changes are in the works right now. The past three years have been
relatively stable for server-side programmers, but I am beginning to see
signs that starting NEXT year we will see some pretty dramatic shifts in
the business. It actually makes my head hurt trying to trace out all the
possible outcomes right now. I could argue successfully five totally
different future visions. Which means of course it's all up in the air
(and the side with the best marketing teams will decide the future course).
For the average programmer, it boils down to ASP, JSP and PHP all being
great platforms to use. All three of these platforms will weather the
changes and will be part of the future. I expect PHP will become the
server-side system for the masses. ASP will continue to be the well
established, name brand, middle of the road package. JSP, I believe,
will develop in two directions. It will be used for large and somewhat
sophisticated sites. But, because of tag libraries (see the ramble above),
JSP will become something like the silent child -- less visible but
integral to simplified server-side situations. It will grow into something
new and unexpected.
</HandWaving>
<HandWaving style="Stern" tempo="Paused" mood="Serious">
Question Part 3:
In your experience talking to clients and other developers, do you
see a further reduction in Microsoft's market share (or programmer
brain share) or do you think they can turn the tide with the .NET
framework?
Answer
The .Net framework is actually behind the Java/JSP framework by 1 to 2
years. So Microsoft has a bit of ground to catch up (though of course
they say otherwise). In the short term it really doesn't matter since the
market place is still catching up to the capabilities of the development
tools. Also, the market place is so huge (and growing) that room is
available for all the players as they jostle for position. Long term,
no one can predict this race. I personally think it will end up being
pretty evenly divided so it won't matter in the long term either. Too
many people are unwilling to hand over another market to Microsoft so I
think it's unlikely .Net will dominate as strongly as many people feel it
will, but it will undoubtedly be one of the three major future players.
</HandWaving>
<HandWaving style="Businesslike" tempo="Steady" mood="Happy">
Conclusion:
Take everything I say (or anyone else says) with a grain of salt. Things
are too chaotic right now and it's going to take years to for it to all
resolve. The market now is strong and the future is bright, but this is
no easy horse race to call. Rather, it reminds me of the hermit crab races
we use to have when I was a kid. In other words, the players are going to
wander all over the place this year just trying to determine the location of
the finish line. In fact, I see the chaos as being a good thing. I believe
the end result will be business as usual. That is, new "business solutions"
will get plenty of hype and the next year will have few surprises or changes.
It's 2002 we have to watch. The trick to being prepared is not choosing which
vendor will dominate the market, but to begin retraining your skills to
match the new and revised tools which all the vendors will be using.
So pick your vendor: Sun (JSP), Microsoft (ASP+) or independent(PHP).
This choice represents the central server tool you will use. But also
begin learning and using XML and start understanding XHTML (it will
replace HTML). Come to the realization that DHTML is not dead and is
now a valid tool since standard DOM's are becoming a reality in 2001.
The new baseline in 2002 will be these tools and variations on their use.
Don't let this change catch you off guard.
</HandWaving>
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