Apache Jakarta Tomcat is a Java application server, the open-source equivalent to BEA's WebLogic Server. It's also the official reference implementation for Sun's JSP and Servlet technologies. As the official implementation, millions of Java developers learning JSP need instruction and practical advice about Tomcat. However, there are currently few books and limited online resources to explain the nuances of JSP development using Tomcat.

Tomcat covers Tomcat 4.0.3 and 4.1, the latest versions developed for the current JSP and Servlet specifications. The book starts with the essentials of JSP and Servlets, then explains how to install and administer the Tomcat server. Further chapters discuss how Tomcat enhances application development with tag libraries, error logging, filters and valves, and more. It includes the use of the popular Apache Struts framework and Apache Axis XML processor. Later chapters explain advanced concepts such as Tomcat security and integrating Tomcat into larger J2EE applications.

Table of Contents

Introduction.

I. BASIC PRINCIPLES.

1. Overview of Jakarta Tomcat, Servlets, and JSPs.
2. Installing Jakarta Tomcat.
3. Basic Principles of Web Servers.
4. Basic Principles of Servlets.
5. Basic Principles of JSPs.
6. Troubleshooting Servlets and JSPs.

II. DEVELOPMENT AND ADMINISTRATION.

7. The Web Application Environment.
8. Session Tracking.
9. Databases and Tomcat.
10. Custom Tags and TagLibs.
11. JSP Expression Language and JSTL.
12. Error Handling.
13. Logging Using Tomcat.
14. Access Control.
15. Administering Tomcat in a Live Environment.
16. Configuring Tomcat.

III. ADVANCED TOPICS.

17. Architectures.
18. Servlet Filters.
19. Tomcat Valves.
20. Frameworks and Jakarta Struts.
21. Testing with Jakarta Cactus.
22. Integrating Tomcat with a Web Server.
23. Securing Web Applications Under Tomcat.
24. Tomcat and J2EE.
25. Web Services and Axis.

IV. APPENDIXES.

Appendix A. Apache Software License, Version 1.1.
Appendix B. Template web.xml File.
Index.