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Web Components

by Stephanie Bodoff

When a web-based client such as a browser communicates with a J2EE application, it does so through server-side objects called web components. There are two types of web components: Java Servlets and JavaServer Pages (JSP) pages. Servlets are Java programming language classes that dynamically process requests and construct responses. JSP pages are text-based documents that execute as servlets, but allow a more natural approach to creating static content. While servlets and JSP pages can be used interchangeably, each has its strengths. Servlets are best suited to managing the control functions of an application, such as dispatching requests, and handling non-textual data. JSP pages are more appropriate for generating text-based markup such as HTML, SVG, WML, and XML.

This chapter describes the packaging, configuration, and deployment procedures common to servlets and JSP pages. Subsequent chapters, Java Servlet Technology and JavaServer Pages Technology, cover how to develop the web components. Many features of JSP technology are determined by Java Servlet technology so you should familiarize yourself with that material, even if you do not intend to write servlets.

Most web-based J2EE clients use the HTTP protocol and support for HTTP is a major aspect of web components. For a brief summary of HTTP protocol features see HTTP Overview.

Web Component Life Cycle

Packaging Web Components

Creating a WAR

Adding a WAR to a J2EE Application

Adding a Web Component to a WAR

Configuring Web Components

Application-Level Configuration

WAR-Level Configuration

Component-Level Configuration

Deploying Web Components

Executing Web Components

Updating Web Components

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