Are you thinking of building your own web application? Java is a great choice to do so. The platform has been around for decades, and both new developers and seasoned pros use it as standard.
Below, we take you through the basic stages you’ll need to complete to create your app and touch on the benefits that Java offers, so you can take the first step in your development adventures!
Create a Dynamic Web Project
To get started, open Eclipse hit File, then New, and now select Dynamic Web Project. When prompted, choose the default settings regarding the project location. Now click Next and then put a tick in the Generate Web.xml Deployment box, and hit Finish.
Now you’ll need to fill in the project name and click Next. A prompt will ask you to put a tick in the box; again, do so in Generate Web.xml Deployment.
Create a Servlet
Right-click on the Java Resources/src folder and navigate to the New>Servlet menu. Provide a name for the servlet and click Finish. The system will now create a test servlet for your use.
Add Servlet JAR File
Right-click on the project and choose Build Path > Configure Build Path > Add External JARs option. From here, you can navigate to the relevant server and select the servlet.api.jar. Now head to the server where the relevant file is installed, select this file, and click on Apply.
Create Your HTML File
Next up: create an HTML page by right-clicking on the WebContent folder, then select the New HTML File option. Creating this file will ensure optimum responsiveness for your app, no matter the amount of incoming dynamic data.
Build a Text Editor for Java
Head to your src directory and create an empty file called TextEdit.java to create a text editor for Java, and then open the file in your go-to text editor to start coding. Alternatively, use a platform that already has Java text editor integrations built in for a time-saving and easy-to-use shortcut!
Map the File
The next stage is to map the file in the web.xml file. This is a deployment descriptor for servlet applications. As part of this process, you’ll need to provide the servlet’s details, including its name and class.
Now is also the time to create the welcome file – this is the file that initiates the project. Multiple welcome files can be created if necessary. And that’s it – congratulations, you’ve built your very own web application!
Running Your Application
Right-click on the project to run it on the server: select Run > Run on Server option, and get ready to view your completed web app in all its glory before sharing it with the world!
Why Choosing Java for Your Web Apps is a Great Call
Java has been around for approaching twenty years – and its longevity is for a good reason. It’s still regarded as a standard tool for web developers and is widely considered to be one of the best programming languages ever created. Below are the benefits Java offers.
Great Security
Java boasts a range of integrated security features, including cryptography, advanced authentication processes, and access controls. Web developers can also use Java’s tools to embed digital signatures, secure login mechanisms, and ciphers, and create custom security protocols as required for ultimate peace of mind.
Lots of Useful Tools
Another huge advantage of Java is the vast array of free development tools out there to help you bring your design to life. Eclipse and NetBeans are two of the most widely-used tools for Java, but there’s a multitude of open-source platforms, plug-ins, and features designed specifically to be used with Java.
API Availability
The volume of APIs available with Java is another reason that it remains extremely popular with web developers. APIs for XML parsing, networking, database connection, and utilities are just a few of the options available. Check out the open-source libraries of APIs such as Google Guava, Jackson, and Apache Commons to learn more.
Has the Scalability Factor
Java is perfect for web developers keen to ensure that their creations can easily scale. Whether it’s higher request rates or larger data sets, Java can scale both horizontally and vertically in line with your needs. Developers just need to add simple code to uplevel, for example, the performance or response time of their app or page.
Offers Great Community Support
There’s an amazing amount of support available online for web developers using Java – as well as help forums; there are regularly running conferences and seminars. It’s a rich, highly supportive community dedicated to innovating the platform and assisting other users.
The Takeaway
Java may be one of the oldest web programing language platforms out there – but that’s for a good reason! If you’re interested in building your first web app, then using Java to do so is a great option. As well as the features, tools, and security it offers, it’s easy to use, and, should you get stuck, there’s loads of support and help out there for you.