What is the use of TAG Libraries in JSP and why we are using it?

Question

I am new to JSP and i've come accross Tag libraries, Please give me some detail explaination of tag libraries, where and what type of application we should use that?

Thanks in advancve

Answer 1

Tag Libraries are used based upon your requirement, say, when you need more than what can be done using EL and standard actions. The tag libraries contain custom tags that can be used as per your need and you can even create your own custom tags(that is a big process & requires you write the java code that is run when you use your customized tag in the JSP), in most cases, the available tags in the JSTL would be sufficient.

Stepping a step backward, tags are used in JSPs in order to separate the scripts(java code) from the jsp pages, ie, script-free pages help in maintainability as presentation is separated from logic, and it even helps web page designers who dont know java to beautify the jsp pages without them having to deal with the java code embedded in the jsp pages.

I suggest you read 'Head First Servlets & JSP' for a better understanding of the entire process.