is struts a good starting point for java web

Question

I've been developing in java then I stopped, so now since I have my google app engine account I wanted to start with this again. Also, I love web and I know struts is a good MVC framework.

I've been reading this. Do you think struts can help me to start or should I start with "plain" servlets, and then go to some framework?

Answer 1

I would at least learn the basic servlet lifecycle and API.

As Joel puts it abstractions are leaky and this applies to frameworks--all frameworks not just Web ones--equally well. You will be much better equipped to use a framework, to know why it's good and how it can help you if you understand the underlying technology, the thing it is trying to abstract.

As for Struts, I would steer clear of STruts 1. It's rather ancient now. There's still a lot of code around for it but I wouldn't consider it best practice now, particularly for its (over)use of inheritance. Struts 2 is really a completely different framework based on Webwork.

There are plenty of other MVC frameworks out there. Personally I like Spring MVC as being quite "pure" and lightweight.

Answer 2

I'd definitely start with an MVC framework as opposed to "plain" servlets as you suggest.

While I've used Struts 1.x a lot, I think for a new application you should look at Struts 2, Spring MVC or some other newer framework that leverage new Java features such as annotations.