Removal of logic and a simple language cuts need for
code
What is it?
Functionally, JSP (Java Server Pages) is quite similar to
Microsoft's Active Server Pages (ASP). Both provide simplified ways
of creating dynamic interactive pages within web applications,
which are easy to maintain because page design and logic are
separated. Both are suitable for people who are not Java or Visual
Studio experts .
One major difference used to be that ASP was restricted to
Microsoft platforms. But with Sun's acquisition of Chilisoft and
the creation of Java System Active Server Pages, and some open
source community initiatives, ASP is supported on Unix, Linux and a
growing range of other platforms. However, although Microsoft has
been rapidly extending and opening ASP.Net to other languages, JSP
is more closely integrated into Java, with a more coherent and
scalable component technology.
What is it for?
According to Sun, "JSP pages use XML tags and scriptlets written
in Java to encapsulate the logic that generates the content for the
page.
"It passes any formatting (HTML or XML) tags directly back to
the response page.
"In this way, JSP pages separate the page logic from its design
and display."
JSP pages are compiled into servlets, and can call components
such as Enterprise JavaBeans to perform processing on the
server.
Since Release 2.0, JSP has included a JavaScript and XPath-based
Expression Language, which reduces the need for Java code in the
pages.
Where did it originate?
JSP was developed by the Java Community Process, led by Sun, but
also involving Apache, BEA Systems, Boeing, Borland, IBM,
Macromedia, Novell and SAS.
What makes it special?
Authors simply write a page using HTML/XHTML, then add
scriptlets and XML tags.
Most of the programming overhead is automatically taken care of.
Because logic and presentation are separated, an author can change
a page without touching the application. Applications involving JSP
are scalable through the full range of systems supporting Java.
How difficult is it to master?
Straightforward for people with some experience of HTML and/or
XML. The Expression Language simplifies things further.
Where is it used?
Wherever web pages need to be included in Java applications.A
possibly superannuated list of users linked to Sun's JSP homepage
includes "Microsoft/MSNBC" as well as BMW, IBM, Harley Davidson,
Universal Studios, Ford and CNN.
What systems does it run on?
Most platforms, including Sun Solaris , Windows, Unix, Linux and
Mac OS.
Apache's Tomcat isprobably the best-known JSP
implementation.
What's coming up?
JSP 2.1, which addresses a mismatch between JSP 2.0 and Java
Server Faces (JSF) which is used to build user interface
components.
The Expression Language in JSP 2.1 has been redone for a better
fit with JSF.
Training
There's a range of how-to and other material, including topics
like Developing XML Solutions with Java Server Pages Technology at
the Java website . You'll also find a lot of material and support
on the many Java community sites, commercial and uncommercial. JSP
is covered in J2EE and other Java courses, or you can find
dedicated JSP and Servlet courses from independent trainers around
the country. Expect to pay around £300 a day for these courses,
which last from three to five days. Also see online courses from
Sun and others.
http://java.sun.com/products/jsp/
www.jspin.com
Rates of pay
Varies according to skills portfolio. Junior web developers with
JSP around £20,000. Experienced developers with Java, JSP, XML,
Struts and Javascript are being offered £35-40,000.