Look at the JavaDocs for GenericServlet and HttpServlet in the servlet API. You will find empty no-args constructors. The only thing a servlet constructor has to do is initialize memory for the instance variables. This is similar to the
Applet API.
Thats because both servlets and applets are held in a "container" that provides many functions, including instance construction. The init method is where you are expected to do custom initialization using the servlet context.
Just one of the many differences you have to get used to when programming servlets.
Bill