Introduction: Understanding What Struts Is and What it Does
Struts is a Java web application framework that combines multiple technologies to create scalable and modular web applications. The framework is built upon the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture, which breaks an application into three components: the model (data), view (user interface), and controller (input processing). Struts is designed to streamline the development process by providing a set of libraries and components that automate common tasks, such as user input validation and database access.
The Anatomy of Struts: How Struts Handles HTTP Requests
When a user interacts with a Struts application, their actions are translated into a series of HTTP requests. Struts then parses these requests into Java Objects that can be manipulated by the application code. This process begins with a request being sent to the Struts ActionServlet, which routes the request to a corresponding Action class. The Action class then processes the request using the application's business logic and updates the model accordingly. When the model has been updated, the Action class invokes a View component to render the results of the update as HTML. This HTML is then sent back to the user's browser as an HTTP response.
Applying Struts: Examples of Struts in Action
Struts is an incredibly versatile framework that can be used to build applications across a wide range of domains. Some common use cases for Struts include e-commerce applications, content management systems, and user management systems. One example of Struts in action is the Apache Roller project, which uses Struts to create a blog website. Another example is the Atlassian JIRA issue tracking system, which uses Struts to manage user input and database interaction.
Overall, Struts is an essential tool for Java developers who want to create scalable and modular web applications. By using the MVC architecture and a variety of built-in libraries and components, Struts can streamline the development process and reduce the time and effort needed to create robust applications.
