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Servlet Concepts Complete

The document provides an in-depth explanation of servlets in Java web development, detailing their role in handling client requests, processing data, and generating dynamic web pages. It covers key concepts such as the lifecycle of a servlet, differences between GET and POST methods, session management techniques, and the use of cookies for maintaining user state. Additionally, it explains URL rewriting as a method for session tracking when cookies are disabled.

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5 views3 pages

Servlet Concepts Complete

The document provides an in-depth explanation of servlets in Java web development, detailing their role in handling client requests, processing data, and generating dynamic web pages. It covers key concepts such as the lifecycle of a servlet, differences between GET and POST methods, session management techniques, and the use of cookies for maintaining user state. Additionally, it explains URL rewriting as a method for session tracking when cookies are disabled.

Uploaded by

vp534026
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Servlet Concepts - In-depth Explanations

1. Role of a Servlet in Web Development


A Servlet is a Java program that runs on a server and handles client requests. It is an
essential component in Java web applications, allowing interaction between users and
servers. Servlets process requests, interact with databases, generate dynamic web pages,
and manage user sessions.

Servlets operate within a Servlet Container (e.g., Apache Tomcat), which manages their
lifecycle, threading, and security. When a client sends a request (such as submitting a form
or clicking a link), the request is processed by the servlet, which generates a response (such
as an HTML page or JSON data).

Steps involved in servlet processing:

1. **Client Request**: The user makes a request through a web browser.

2. **Server Forwarding**: The web server receives the request and forwards it to the
servlet container.

3. **Processing**: The servlet processes the request, interacts with databases or other
services, and generates a response.

4. **Response to Client**: The response is sent back to the web browser for display.

2. Difference Between GET and POST Methods


HTTP methods GET and POST are used to communicate between clients and servers. The
key differences between them are as follows:

• **GET Method:**
- Retrieves data from the server without modifying it.
- Parameters are included in the URL as query strings (e.g., example.com?id=123).
- Not suitable for sending sensitive data since it appears in the browser history.
- Can be bookmarked and cached by browsers.

• **POST Method:**
- Sends data to the server, usually used for submitting forms.
- Parameters are sent in the request body, making it more secure.
- Cannot be bookmarked or cached.
- No limit on the amount of data sent.
3. Life Cycle of a Servlet
The lifecycle of a servlet is managed by the servlet container and consists of three main
phases:

1. **Initialization (`init()`)**
- The servlet is loaded into memory when the server starts or when it receives its first
request.
- The `init()` method is called once to initialize the servlet.

2. **Service (`service()`)**
- The servlet handles client requests using the `service()` method.
- It calls `doGet()`, `doPost()`, or other HTTP-specific methods based on the request type.

3. **Destruction (`destroy()`)**
- When the server shuts down or the servlet is no longer needed, the `destroy()` method is
called.
- This method releases resources like database connections.

4. Difference between HttpServletRequest and ServletRequest


`ServletRequest` is a general interface used to handle client requests in Java Servlets. It
provides methods to retrieve request parameters, attributes, and input streams. However, it
is protocol-independent, meaning it can be used for other communication protocols apart
from HTTP.

`HttpServletRequest` is a subclass of `ServletRequest` that specifically handles HTTP


requests. It includes methods for retrieving cookies, headers, request methods (GET, POST,
etc.), and session information.

5. Purpose of Session Management in Web Applications


HTTP is a stateless protocol, meaning it does not remember previous interactions between
the client and server. Session management is necessary to maintain user state across
multiple requests.

Common uses of session management:


• Keeping users logged in after authentication.
• Storing user preferences and settings.
• Managing shopping carts in e-commerce applications.

Session management techniques include cookies, URL rewriting, hidden form fields, and
HttpSession.
6. What is URL Rewriting and How it Works?
URL rewriting is a session tracking technique used when cookies are disabled. It works by
appending a unique session ID to the URL so that the server can identify the user.

Example:
Instead of: `http://example.com/home`
It becomes: `http://example.com/home;jsessionid=123456`

The session ID is carried in the URL as the user navigates through the website.

7. How Cookies are Used in Session Management and Data Storage


Cookies are small pieces of data stored in a user's web browser that help maintain session
information. They are widely used for tracking user authentication, preferences, and
activities.

Types of Cookies:
• **Session Cookies** – Temporary cookies that are deleted when the browser is closed.
• **Persistent Cookies** – Stored for a longer duration and retained even after closing the
browser.

Example of a cookie set by a server:


`Set-Cookie: sessionID=12345; Expires=Fri, 15 Mar 2025 12:00:00 GMT; Path=/; HttpOnly`

Cookies help in authentication (e.g., remembering login status) and user tracking (e.g.,
analytics, advertising).

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