Learn to build applications with Jakarta Struts, the most popular JSP development framework. Struts Kick Start is a 'hands-on' book filled with sample applications and code snippets you can reuse, and in-depth coverage of new features in Struts 1.1. If you are looking for a practical book that 'shows you how to do it', then Struts Kick Start is for you. Plus, it's the first Struts book with detailed examples of the major Struts tags.
The book begins with a discussion of Struts and its Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture. The authors' then demonstrate Struts' power through the development of a non-trivial sample application - covering all the Struts components in a 'how to use them' approach. You'll also see the Struts Tag Library in action - use tags for HTML, javabeans, logical operations and more. You'll learn to use Struts with JBoss for EJB's, with Apache Axis to publish and use Web Services, and with JUnit for testing and debugging. The authors work with the latest Struts 1.1 features including DynaForms, Tiles and the Validator.
The book includes a CD-ROM containing the tools discussed in the book: Struts 1.1 beta 2, Java 2 Standard Edition, JBoss 3.0.3, MySQL 3.23, XDoclet, Torque, Tomcat, Ant, Axis, Cactus, and JUnit. Plus, it comes with an electronic, fully searchable version of the book.
From the Inside Cover: Thoroughly covers the essential features of Struts in a clear and readable style.
Struts Kick Start is a solid starting point for learning how to develop web applications using Struts. The authors start you off by reviewing the foundational technologies on which Struts is based, and immediately get into the sorts of practical 'how to' information and examples that get you up to speed quickly.
Notable features that I really appreciated include the coverage on integration with other technologies (such as EJBs and web services), using Ant to set up your development environment, and the fact that the software goodies you need are available on the included CD. Struts does not live in a vacuum -- it is one of the tools in the developer's toolkit, so knowing how it works with other technologies is very useful.
Of particular importance is the coverage on testing your web application as you build and maintain it. Developing a solid testing methodology, and a substantial suite of tests (to protect yourself against regressions), is critically important to a rapid development cycle that still needs to produce high quality applications. Coverage of testing, though, tends to be minimal in many books about programming technologies. James and Kevin provide specific advice on how to use the JUnit and Cactus testing frameworks with your Struts based applications.
Struts Kick Start is a good resource for learning about Struts, and it will help you get up to speed quickly.
- Craig McClanahan, Creator of Struts
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Not the best Struts book
I needed a book on struts as I was beginning a new position. With limited time, I had to rely on the local book store. Not a good idea since this book was the only available book. I should have ordered online and waited.
The lack of detail is truly amazing. Use this tool, but don't describe the steps needed to compile the java created by the tool. Use this tool to create the JSP, but what if you don't have that tool and are limited to the tools you can use?
Rating: - Disorganized junk
Completely useless as a reference book. Very disorganized. OK as a basic introduction - then you can basically throw it away - or sell for 92c which is the going price for a used copy and it's no wonder.
Rating: - Don't buy this one
I've been needing to learn Struts for a project at work and picked this up at the local used bookstore after thumbing through it. I took it home and started working through the demo application in Chapter 3, Hello World.
Of course they don't give you any information on how to install it or set it up for Tomcat. There's a companion CDROM that has all the source on it, but it is also poorly documented. I can't figure it out.
I went to the web site for the book and it's horribly ... Read More
Rating: - Book based on a real-life example - but needs complete rework and many new chapters !
Problems started from chapter 6, beginning was simple, easy, as beginning of any other JSP book. Author decided to make a nice example of struts application, the "stock tracker" application. I was so happy to see a good example, since other books lack complex examples. This example was realistic every-day type of applications we see on the web (banking or paying bills, rental). It also deals with retrieving XML data from the disk, and I find this also an often case in the real world applications. So the ... Read More
Rating: - Pure rubbish
When I am writing this review, the price of a used copy starts from 56 cents. You can imagine what quality you can expect from a book whose owner is so eagerly willing to part with it.
I did read this book and here is what I have to say. In short, do not buy this book or even read it. It's a waste of time.
I can't believe Craig McClanahan recommended this book. How much did Sams pay him to say that?
- Not the best Struts book
- Disorganized junk
