Struts is the most popular framework for building scalable Java web applications, and version 2 is not simply an extension to Struts 1. It is a new architecture elegantly designed to support easy or zero configuration, modular extension through interceptors, and code distribution via plug-ins. Interceptors solves common problems in web development by enabling type conversion, input validation, file upload and programmable file download, internationalization, and others. Plug-ins are in abundance and available for incorporating Tiles, JFreeChart, AJAX components, and other software into applications.

This book is a tutorial designed to make the reader truly understand the concepts. It explains not only how to use Struts' features, but also how certain features work under the hood. Examples are relevant and based on real-world applications. Several important topics rarely mentioned in other books--such as file upload, long-processing task handling, and profiling--are given detailed treatment.

This book is for beginners as well as seasoned programmers upgrading from Struts 1. It explains the following topics and many more:

In addition, this book deals with design topics such as data persistence and the Data Access Object pattern, security, double form submits, progress meters, and zero configuration through annotations.