Struts is an open-source framework that integrates with standard Java technologies and lets developers build web applications quickly and effectively.  In much the same way that Java has overtaken C++, Struts is well poised to become the framework for web application development because of its ability to address the types of issues engineers face when building large-scale web applications.

The Struts Framework: Practical Guide for Java Programmers meets the needs of this large audience—estimated today at 2.5 million Java programmers and growing. It provides the systematic exploration required by newcomers as well as the step-by-step instruction for more experienced readers eager to exploit Struts to the fullest. Devoted to the latest version of the framework (v. 1.1) and vividly illustrated with a thorough sample application throughout, this book is an essential resource for all programmers who want to be part of the next stage in the evolution of the web.

Features

•    Hard-to-find, practical coverage from a highly visible figure in the Java development world.

•    Reviews all the technologies comprising Struts, including JavaServer Pages, Servlets, XML, Custom Tags, and web and application servers.

•    Teaches readers the development practices—including design, debugging, internationalization, and implementation—essential to Struts development.

·         Provides downloadable sample code and data for use in a Struts-based database application via a companion web site.

Application Download

The application used throughout the book is available for free download.  Refer to the 'Application Roadmap' from the index page for complete details on application prerequisites, setup, and directory structure descriptions.

Download the application from the publisher's companion website. Once you enter the publisher's site, select your location, and then click on the companion site icon on the right hand side.

Download WAR file

•    The sample application used throughout the book WAR file (includes binaries only).

If downloading the WAR, you can simply place it in the webapps directory of your Tomcat installation. Access the application by entering:

http://127.0.0.1:8080/cdManagerSample in your browser URL. If your Tomcat port is something other than the default 8080, enter the correct port.

Download JAR file

•    The complete sample application  used throughout the book, including WAR file, binaries, all source code, and javadocs, and build.xml.

After  downloading the JAR, on your command line enter:

jar -xvf strutspg.jar

Follow the directions given for the WAR file. You will also have the full directory structure for the source code. You can view available ant targets by entering ant on your command line.

Reader Feedback

Rating: 5 on 5 | Practical at its best!
Those of us in the high tech industry have become used to buying technical books that can take down a forest. How refreshing to finally have an author who doesn't feel the need to drone on about every ancillary topic there is. This book covered everything I needed to know to get up, running, and productive with Struts 1.1. It is clearly and concisely written and speaks directly to Java developers. No bones about it. My boss had come into my cube on Friday morning and told me that we'd be looking at Struts on Monday for a new project. I purchased this book on overnight delivery, and was able to get through it in its entirety in a single day. This included downloading the sample application and using it. I walked in Monday not only knowing what I needed to know to thoroughly impress my boss, but also able to make suggestions and comments on how we should go about building our project thanks to this book. With a sub- price tag, it's hard to justify spending 2 and 3 times the amount on another book. If you need a true practical guide, this is it. I've already recommended it to the rest of our development team, cause I don't want to give up my copy!

Rating: 5 on 5 | KISS Method to the Struts 1.1 Framework
The book was spectacular in the concise approach to the use of the Struts Framework. The explanations of all of the different areas were well thought out without being verbose. The sprinkling of URL references within the context of the chapter of use was solid and you didn't have to jump back and forth between the chapter and appendix. The cdManagerSample is a solid fundamental learning experience that has a lot of nice techniques within it for those of us who are totally on our own. I especially liked the web.xml setup with the log4j and database servlets that were included in addition to the cdmanager actionservlet. I liked the package structure, jsp use of the Struts template and comments within the code that explained that it was done for teaching and that in real life, you would use these other specific techniques. Chapter 11 mentions the useful extensions such as Tiles, Validator and the Jakarta Commons Utilities. This could be the topics for the next book. I would hope that other topics such as application scope caching, a data access object and design patterns would be considered as material for going to the next level.

If you have feedback, comments, and/or suggestions on the book 

or 

features you'd like to see included in the next edition

feel free to contact Sue directly at sspielman at switchbacksoftware.com