J2EE architecture

[Rick Reumann]

I understand that in order to have 'real' J2EE architecture you need to implement EJBs, but what I'm first most curious about is architecting and design principals of JSP applications that follow good standard practices.
I've been coding in JSP and Java now for about 2 years but really want to be pointed towards some good sources for architecting solid JSP applications. Currently I'm using what I think is an "ok" MVC architecture for my applications but I know there are better ways to do things yet am having trouble finding the resources that demonstrate real working examples of developing internet applications. Any resources someone could point me to would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Rick

[Axel Janssen]

Hi Rick,
in my opinion Wrox Prof. JSP2 includes some good ideas about web-components architecture.
You might learn from frameworks like http://jakarta.apache.org/struts/index.html
And presentation patterns of Sun J2EE pattern catalog: http://developer.java.sun.com/developer/restricted/patterns/J2EEPatternsAtAGlance.html
regards Axel
[ February 14, 2002: Message edited by: Axel Janssen ]

[shai koren]

Hi Rick
this will give you a good demostration of how it is all connected to the j2ee applic
http://java.sun.com/features/2001/12/petstore13.html
you can gain a lot from downloading the source and playing with it ( maybe change to different design as well )
in addition you can download EJB design patterns ( only review copies untill release in mid feb...)
and masteringEJB from theserverside.com
cheers
shai

[pari pat]

ya that's great rick
you have started a discussion on the nice topic.
Great Going

[Thomas Paul]

Originally posted by Rick Reumann:
I understand that in order to have 'real' J2EE architecture you need to implement EJBs, but what I'm first most curious about is architecting and design principals of JSP applications that follow good standard practices.

I don't think this statement is true. In fact, I am quite sure that hundreds of thousands of dollaars (if not millions) have been thrown away purchasing EJB servers that are not required. EJBs should only be used when they are needed for a particular application. I have written many J2EE applications that used JSP and servlets and they have performed well and fulfilled the requirements of the end users.

[Rick Reumann]

I totally agree Thomas, that's why right now I just want to make sure I'm developing an architecture that is very "standard" by J2EE standards sans the EJB.
The architecture I've been using currently follows the one presented in Fields and Kolb's book "Web Development with Java Server Pages." I actually think the architecture is pretty good, but I was bantering around ideas with a friend who has developed a system that he believes follows more of the J2EE standards. His biggest critique of what I'm using is the "Model" part of the MVC architecture I'm following.
I'm going to work may way to the best of my ability through the Pet Store app if that's what it takes, but I think it's a bit overkill for what I'm after. Basically I want to be following J2EE standards that anyone could easilly follow.
I'm finding it difficult to find architectual/design examples that don't weight heavilly on using EJBs.
Thomas, do you happen to have any documentation you could provide that demonstrates what you have done from a design standpoint? I'd really be interested in seeing J2EE standard design without the implentation of EJBs.
Thanks for your time.

[Rick Reumann]

Originally posted by Axel Janssen:
Hi Rick,
You might learn from frameworks like http://jakarta.apache.org/struts/index.html

I've looked into the struts framework some and really liked it. I'm curious, though, is the struts framework considered to meet Sun's J2EE standards?
Thanks for any more info.

[Thomas Paul]

Struts is actually a perfect example of an MVC architecture. It is easily adapted into an EJB environment with little or no change required to the Control or View portions.
If you can wait a little bit, an upcoming release of the JavaRanch Newletter will have an article by yours truly on Struts. If you can't wait then go to http://jakarta.apache.org/struts