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JavaServer Pages Standard Tag Library

Stephanie Bodoff

The JavaServer Pages Standard Tag Library (JSTL) encapsulates core functionality common to many JSP applications. For example, instead of iterating over lists using a scriptlet or different iteration tags from numerous vendors, JSTL defines a standard tag that works the same everywhere. This standardization lets you learn a single tag and use it on multiple JSP containers. Also, when tags are standard, containers can optimize their implementation.

JSTL has support for common, structural tasks such as iteration and conditionals, tags for manipulating XML documents, internationalization tags, and tags for accessing databases using SQL. It also introduces the concept of an expression language to simplify page development. JSTL also provides a framework for integrating existing tag libraries with JSTL.

This chapter demonstrates the JSTL through excerpts from the JSP version of the Duke's Bookstore application discussed in previous chapters. It assumes that you are familiar with the material in the Using Tags section of Chapter 15.

In This Chapter

The Example JSP Pages

Using JSTL

Expression Language Support

Twin Libraries

JSTL Expression Language

Tag Collaboration

Core Tags

Expression Tags

Flow Control Tags

URL Tags

XML Tags

Core Tags

Flow Control Tags

Transformation Tags

Internationalization Tags

Setting the Locale

Messaging Tags

Formatting Tags

SQL Tags

query Tag Result Interface

Further Information

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This tutorial contains information on the 1.0 version of the Java Web Services Developer Pack.

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