The following article on Comparing Servlets and JSP provides the differences between these two technologies.
In fact, Java Servlets and JavaServer Pages (JSP) are both Java-based technologies that we can use to develop web applications. While they are often used together, they have some key differences. The following list shows some of the main differences between Servlets and JSP.
Comparing Servlets and JSP Technologies
- Purpose. Actually, we use servlets primarily to handle HTTP requests and generate dynamic content. Whereas JSPs are used to generate HTML or other markups that are sent to the client.
- Syntax. Servlets are written in Java code. Whereas we write JSPs in a mix of HTML and Java code. Moreover, JSPs make it easier to write dynamic web pages by allowing developers to place Java code within HTML pages.
- Development. Usually, developers find servlets more difficult to write in comparison to JSPs. Because they require more Java coding. In contrast, JSPs are easier to develop because they use a mix of HTML and Java code.
- Performance. Further, servlets are more efficient than JSPs because they are compiled into Java bytecode at runtime. Whereas, JSPs are compiled into Java servlets before their execution.
- Maintenance. In fact, servlets are easier to maintain because they are pure Java code. Whereas JSPs are a mix of HTML and Java code. Therefore, it makes it harder to understand and modify.
In summary, we use servlets to handle HTTP requests and generate dynamic content. While we use JSPs to generate HTML or other markups that is sent to the client. In general, people consider servlets to be more efficient and easier to maintain than JSPs. Whereas, JSPs are easier to develop because they use a mix of HTML and Java code. Both Servlets and JSPs have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them depends on the specific needs of your web application.