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Pros & cons of Apache Struts

8 Pros of Apache Struts

• 1. Extensive Documentation: Apache Struts has comprehensive and well-maintained documentation, making it easy for developers to understand and use.
• 2. MVC Architecture: It follows the Model-View-Controller (MVC) design pattern, which promotes code reusability, maintainability, and separation of concerns.
• 3. Robust Validation Framework: Struts provides a built-in validation framework that allows developers to easily validate user input and ensure data integrity.
• 4. Powerful Tag Library: It offers a rich set of custom tags, known as Struts tags, which simplify the creation of dynamic and interactive web pages.
• 5. Integration with Other Frameworks: Struts seamlessly integrates with other popular frameworks like Hibernate, Spring, and Tiles, providing developers with a flexible and extensible development environment.
• 6. Security Features: It includes features like input validation, output encoding, and support for secure communication protocols, which enhance the security of web applications built using Struts.
• 7. Scalability: Apache Struts is designed to handle large-scale enterprise applications, making it suitable for projects that require high scalability and performance.
• 8. Active Community: Struts has a large and active community of developers who actively contribute to its development, provide support, and share their knowledge through forums and online resources.

8 Cons of Apache Struts

• 1. Steeper Learning Curve: Struts has a relatively steep learning curve, especially for developers who are new to MVC frameworks or have limited experience with Java web development.
• 2. Configuration Complexity: The configuration files in Struts can be complex and require a deep understanding of the framework, which may pose challenges for beginners.
• 3. Lack of Flexibility: Struts enforces certain design patterns and conventions, which can limit the flexibility for developers who prefer more freedom in choosing their development approach.
• 4. Limited AJAX Support: Struts has limited support for AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) compared to more modern frameworks, making it less suitable for applications that heavily rely on AJAX-based interactions.
• 5. Reliance on XML Configuration: Struts heavily relies on XML configuration files, which can be tedious and error-prone to maintain, especially in large-scale projects.
• 6. Lack of Official Support: Apache Struts is an open-source framework, and while it has a vibrant community, it does not have a dedicated commercial vendor providing official support and maintenance.
• 7. Frequent Updates: Struts framework has experienced frequent updates in the past, which may require developers to keep up with the latest versions and potentially introduce compatibility issues.
• 8. Security Vulnerabilities: In the past, Apache Struts has had security vulnerabilities that required immediate patching, highlighting the importance of staying updated with the latest security releases.

How and where is Apache Struts used?

TOP 10 Facts about Apache Struts

• Apache Struts is an open-source framework used for developing Java-based web applications.
• It was first released in 2000 and has since gained immense popularity among developers due to its robustness and scalability.
• Apache Struts follows the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architectural pattern, which helps in separating the application’s logic from its presentation layer.
• The framework provides a set of reusable components and tools that simplify the development process and make it easier to maintain and update web applications.
• Apache Struts offers built-in support for various features such as form validation, input handling, and internationalization, which accelerates the development cycle.
• In 2017, Apache Struts gained widespread attention due to a major security vulnerability known as the “Struts-Shock” or “Equifax” vulnerability. This vulnerability allowed hackers to execute arbitrary code remotely, leading to several high-profile data breaches.
• Apache Struts quickly addressed the security vulnerability and released a patch, urging all users to update their versions to ensure their applications’ security.
• Despite the security incident, Apache Struts remains a popular choice for developers worldwide, with a large and active community of contributors and users.
• Apache Struts has a comprehensive documentation repository that includes guides, tutorials, and examples to assist developers in understanding and utilizing the framework effectively.
• Many well-known organizations, including major financial institutions, government agencies, and e-commerce companies, rely on Apache Struts to power their web applications.

TOP 10 Apache Struts Related Technologies

• Java

  Java is the most fundamental language for Apache Struts software development. It is a widely used, high-level programming language known for its versatility, performance, and large community support.

• Apache Struts

  Apache Struts is an open-source framework for developing Java web applications. It provides a structured framework for building scalable and maintainable web applications by following the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architectural pattern.

• HTML/CSS

  HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) are essential technologies for web development with Apache Struts. HTML is used for creating the structure and content of web pages, while CSS is used for styling and layout.

• JavaScript

  JavaScript is a popular scripting language that adds interactivity and dynamic behavior to web applications. It is commonly used in conjunction with Apache Struts to enhance user experience and handle client-side interactions.

• SQL

  SQL (Structured Query Language) is crucial for working with databases in Apache Struts applications. It provides a standardized way to query, manipulate, and manage relational databases, which are often used to store application data.

• JUnit

  JUnit is a widely used unit testing framework for Java applications, including those built with Apache Struts. It allows developers to write and execute tests to ensure the correctness of their code, detect bugs, and facilitate continuous integration.

• Git

  Git is a distributed version control system commonly used in software development, including Apache Struts projects. It enables multiple developers to collaborate, track changes, and easily manage source code, ensuring efficient and organized development workflows.

What are top Apache Struts instruments and tools?

• Apache Struts: Apache Struts is an open-source framework used for creating Java web applications. It was initially released in 2000 and has since become one of the most popular Java web frameworks. Struts follows the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architectural pattern and provides a robust set of tools and components for building scalable and maintainable web applications. It offers features like form validation, data binding, and internationalization support. Struts has been widely adopted by organizations such as IBM, Oracle, and the European Patent Office.
• Struts Tiles: Struts Tiles is a templating framework that allows developers to create reusable page layouts. It provides a way to define a master layout and insert dynamic content into predefined regions. This helps in achieving a consistent look and feel across multiple pages in a web application. Struts Tiles has been a popular choice for building complex enterprise applications and has been integrated with other frameworks like Spring and Hibernate.
• Struts Validator: Struts Validator is a powerful validation framework that simplifies the task of validating user input in web forms. It provides a wide range of pre-built validation rules for common scenarios such as required fields, email addresses, and numeric values. Developers can also define custom validation rules to meet specific requirements. Struts Validator has been widely used to ensure data integrity and improve the user experience in web applications.
• Struts Tags: Struts Tags is a tag library that provides a set of custom tags for generating HTML forms, input fields, and other user interface components. These tags abstract the underlying HTML markup and make it easier to create dynamic web forms. Struts Tags also integrate with the validation framework, allowing developers to specify validation rules directly in the form definition. This helps in building robust and user-friendly web forms in Struts applications.
• Struts Shale: Struts Shale is an extension to the Struts framework that enhances its capabilities for building web applications. It introduces new features like simplified configuration, improved error handling, and support for alternative programming models such as JavaServer Faces (JSF). Struts Shale has been well-received by the developer community and has been used in various enterprise projects.
• Struts 2: Struts 2 is the successor to Apache Struts 1.x and is a modern web application framework. It provides a comprehensive set of features for building scalable and maintainable Java web applications. Struts 2 follows the MVC pattern and offers improved performance, better integration with other frameworks, and enhanced security features. It has gained significant popularity and is widely used in both small-scale and large-scale web projects.
• Struts Spring Plugin: The Struts Spring Plugin is an integration module that allows developers to seamlessly combine the Struts and Spring frameworks. It provides support for dependency injection, aspect-oriented programming, and other advanced features offered by Spring. The plugin simplifies the configuration and management of Struts actions and provides a more flexible and modular architecture for building web applications.

Let’s consider Difference between Junior, Middle, Senior, Expert/Team Lead developer roles.

Cases when Apache Struts does not work

1. Unsupported Struts Versions: Apache Struts, like any software, undergoes updates and improvements over time. If you are using an outdated version of Apache Struts, it may not work as expected or may have compatibility issues with newer technologies. It is important to ensure that you are using a supported and up-to-date version of Apache Struts to avoid such problems.
2. Incorrect Configuration: Apache Struts requires proper configuration to function correctly. If the configuration files are not set up properly or contain errors, it can lead to issues with the framework. Common problems include misconfigured XML files, incorrect mappings, and invalid settings. It is crucial to double-check the configuration to ensure it aligns with the requirements of your application.
3. Dependency Conflicts: Apache Struts relies on various dependencies and libraries to function. If there are conflicts or compatibility issues between these dependencies and the version of Apache Struts you are using, it can result in failures or unexpected behavior. It is essential to carefully manage the dependencies and ensure they are compatible with your chosen version of Apache Struts.
4. Security Vulnerabilities: Apache Struts, like any software, can be vulnerable to security threats. If your application is using an older version of Apache Struts that has known security vulnerabilities, it can pose a risk to your system. It is crucial to regularly update Apache Struts to the latest version to address any security vulnerabilities and ensure the safety of your application.
5. Insufficient Resources: Apache Struts requires certain system resources to run efficiently. If your system does not meet the minimum requirements, such as CPU, memory, or disk space, it can result in performance issues or even crashes. It is important to verify that your system meets the recommended specifications for running Apache Struts.

Soft skills of a Apache Struts Developer

Soft skills are essential for an Apache Struts Developer as they contribute to effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving in a team environment. Here are the soft skills required for different levels of experience:

Junior

• Adaptability: Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies and frameworks.
• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with other developers, testers, and stakeholders to achieve project goals.
• Communication: Clearly conveying ideas and updates to team members and stakeholders.
• Time Management: Managing time and prioritizing tasks to meet project deadlines.
• Attention to Detail: Paying close attention to details to ensure the accuracy and quality of code.

Middle

• Problem Solving: Analyzing and resolving complex technical issues in Apache Struts applications.
• Leadership: Taking initiative and guiding junior developers in implementing best practices.
• Critical Thinking: Evaluating different approaches and making informed decisions during development.
• Collaboration: Working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth integration of Apache Struts components.
• Client-Facing Skills: Effectively communicating with clients to understand their requirements and provide technical support.
• Time Management: Efficiently managing multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Conflict Resolution: Resolving conflicts and disagreements within the development team.

Senior

• Mentoring: Mentoring and coaching junior and middle-level developers to enhance their skills.
• Strategic Thinking: Developing long-term plans and strategies for Apache Struts projects.
• Project Management: Overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of complex projects.
• Communication: Effectively communicating project updates and progress to stakeholders and clients.
• Decision Making: Making informed decisions based on technical expertise and project requirements.
• Interpersonal Skills: Building strong relationships with team members and stakeholders.
• Conflict Resolution: Resolving conflicts and ensuring a positive work environment.
• Quality Assurance: Ensuring the quality and reliability of Apache Struts applications through thorough testing and code reviews.

Expert/Team Lead

• Strategic Planning: Developing and implementing long-term technical strategies for the team.
• Team Management: Leading and managing a team of developers, assigning tasks, and ensuring optimal productivity.
• Innovation: Driving innovation and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements in Apache Struts.
• Client Relationship Management: Building strong relationships with clients, understanding their business needs, and providing technical guidance.
• Project Estimation: Estimating project timelines and resources accurately.
• Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating risks throughout the development lifecycle.
• Technical Expertise: Possessing in-depth knowledge and expertise in Apache Struts development.
• Strategic Partnerships: Building partnerships with other teams or organizations to enhance collaboration and project outcomes.
• Decision Making: Making critical decisions that impact the project’s success.
• Continuous Learning: Actively seeking opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge through self-learning and training.
• Performance Management: Evaluating team performance and providing feedback for improvement.