Java Web App: Passing form parameters across multiple pages

Question

Hi, what is the best practice or best way of passing form parameters from page to page in a flow? If I have a flow where a user enters data in a form and hits next and repeats this process until they get to an approval page, what ways could I approach this problem to make the retention of data as simple as possible over the flow?

I guess you could put all the information as you go in the session but could you get into memory issues if a lot of people are using your app and going through the flow at the same time?

Answer 1

You can store data into Cookies or store them into Session and access them between different web pages.

Answer 2

HttpSession is your best bet if you want to track a "wizard" style data entry. Just seconding @Rachel's openion.

The server side component that handles your page submits ( such as Servlets) would have some code like:

public void doPost (HttpServletRequest req, HttpServletResponse res)
    throws ServletException, IOException    
{
    HttpSession session = req.getSession();
    session.setAttribute("Variable1", request.getParameter("input1"));
    //and so on..

HttpSession Provides a way to identify a user across more than one page request or visit to a Web site and to store information about that user.

Answer 3

You may also put attributes in the request scope. They are accessed the same way from EL in your JSPs, but do not require a session. Depending on your situation, you may not wish to start sessions for every user.