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 andreadable style.

Struts Kick Start is a solid starting point for learning how to developweb applications using Struts. The authors start you off by reviewingthe foundational technologies on which Struts is based, and immediatelyget into the sorts of practical "how to" information and examples thatget you up to speed quickly.

Notable features that I really appreciated include the coverage onintegration with other technologies (such as EJBs and web services),using Ant to set up your development environment, and the fact that thesoftware goodies you need are available on the included CD. Struts doesnot live in a vacuum -- it is one of the tools in the developer'stoolkit, so knowing how it works with other technologies is very useful.

Of particular importance is the coverage on testing your web applicationas you build and maintain it. Developing a solid testing methodology,and a substantial suite of tests (to protect yourself againstregressions), is critically important to a rapid development cycle thatstill needs to produce high quality applications. Coverage of testing,though, tends to be minimal in many books about programmingtechnologies. James and Kevin provide specific advice on how to use theJUnit and Cactus testing frameworks with your Struts based applications.

Struts Kick Start is a good resource for learning about Struts, and itwill help you get up to speed quickly.