Java Server Pages Application Development

Rating:
Summary: All that is necessary for effective JSP programming
Review: Ben Forta's JavaServer Pages Application Development will teach even the most novice user all that is necessary for effective JSP programming, with emphasis on techniques that allow the programmers to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Other technologies are introduced as well, including Servlets, the Java language, JDBC, and beans. Using extensive examples, and a hands-on approach, JavaServer Pages Application Development walks the reader through the most important topics for web developers, including security, database interaction, custom tags and scalability. All the examples are based on hard earned, real-world experience. Especialy recommended for Intermediate/Advanced level web page developer. 416pp.

Rating:
Summary: Misses The Mark
Review: I am the senior web developer at a small company looking for a good book to bring my less-experienced people up to speed on JSP. I bought this book because the introduction says, "This book is designed to teach you JSP, even if you have no Java experience whatsoever." Sadly that is not true.
Just three pages into Chapter 2, 'Creating a JSP Page', the author hits you with several pages of Java source code as he compares and contrasts the java source produced by JRun, Tomcat, etc as a result of processing a simple JSP page.
The first piece of JSP you see is the page directive, and this topic begins with references to java packages. First, I would think that there are kindler, gentler ways to dip ones toe into the JSP waters. Surely some simple JSPs could be written that do not require the <%@page import...> directive, saving this subject for later. And even so, the explanation of packages would make no sense to someone who did not already understand java.
And so it goes throughout this book.

Rating:
Summary: Misses The Mark
Review: I am the senior web developer at a small company looking for a good book to bring my less-experienced people up to speed on JSP. I bought this book because the introduction says, "This book is designed to teach you JSP, even if you have no Java experience whatsoever." Sadly that is not true.
Just three pages into Chapter 2, 'Creating a JSP Page', the author hits you with several pages of Java source code as he compares and contrasts the java source produced by JRun, Tomcat, etc as a result of processing a simple JSP page.
The first piece of JSP you see is the page directive, and this topic begins with references to java packages. First, I would think that there are kindler, gentler ways to dip ones toe into the JSP waters. Surely some simple JSPs could be written that do not require the <%@page import...> directive, saving this subject for later. And even so, the explanation of packages would make no sense to someone who did not already understand java.
And so it goes throughout this book.

Rating:
Summary: Not So Good
Review: I have mild experience with Java and JSP. This is not a very good book. It does not flow well and is confusing. It is not a typical Ben Forta book, which are usually outstanding. Additionally, the price is ridiculous considering the length and scope of the book. There are many wasted words in this book. I suggest Java Server Pages from Oreilly.

Rating:
Summary: Beware of the errors in the examples!
Review: I have some programming experience but am new to Java/JSP. I choose this book to start out with and am about half way through working all the examples by hand using Forte for Java CE and then "deploying" them to a seperate test server running Tomcat 4.0. Basically, there are several errors in the example code in the book. Some of these are fixed on the versions on the cd - some not. I've wasted many hours scouring the net and pulling my hair out to get the examples to compile and work in both Forte for Java CE and Tomcat 4.0 - EXTREMELY frustrating for newbies like me. Too bad, since otherwise the book is pretty well written. Don't assume the example code is correct and you'll be okay.

Rating:
Summary: Beware of the errors in the examples!
Review: I have some programming experience but am new to Java/JSP. I choose this book to start out with and am about half way through working all the examples by hand using Forte for Java CE and then "deploying" them to a seperate test server running Tomcat 4.0. Basically, there are several errors in the example code in the book. Some of these are fixed on the versions on the cd - some not. I've wasted many hours scouring the net and pulling my hair out to get the examples to compile and work in both Forte for Java CE and Tomcat 4.0 - EXTREMELY frustrating for newbies like me. Too bad, since otherwise the book is pretty well written. Don't assume the example code is correct and you'll be okay.

Rating:
Summary: Not bad...
Review: The book is not bad and somewhat practical. If it was sold for half of its present retail price, I'd give it 4 stars.