Book rec(s) for an ASP.NET/C# developer looking to build in JSP+Tomcat?

Question

I'm a senior-ish C# developer used to ASP.NET & IIS, but a project's come along for which I'll need to use Java/JSP and Tomcat, both of which are new to me. I've got a bit of experience with Java, but none with Tomcat or JSP, so I'm looking for a book ( or books) that'll help me get up and running with JSP and Tomcat quickly. (The project is pretty small, incidentally -- just a five/ten-page CRUD app.)

Two I'm considering at the moment:

• Beginning JSP, JSF and Tomcat Web Development (Apress)
• Head First Servlets and JSP (O'Reilly)

Anyone made this particular transition before? If so, what book(s) would you recommend for a crash course in getting up and running quickly?

Many thanks in advance...

Answer 1

Well, from an overall "similarity" feel, JSF is closer to ASP.NET component model than raw JSP is.

So, if you come in to JSP "blind" you'll be in for a rude shock in terms of what kind of "raw functionality" you will get from the platform.

Now, if you're comfortable with the raw HTTP request cycle, then any (decent) JSP/Servlet book will likely suit.

I like the Head First books, I think they're pretty good.

However, you can go here:

Free JSP Book

That's a reasonably modern book. (You may have to register to get the book.)

The key things to look for, IMHO, regard a JSP book is solid coverage of JSTL and, ideally, decent coverage of JSP 2.0 Tag Files.

A lot of books are still stuck in the 1999 world of JSP, and it's a LOT better than that.

But, JSP is not equivalent to ASP.NET, JSF is more like that.

I have no opinion on JSF, I don't use it.

Answer 2

Tomcat: The Definitive Guide

JavaServer Pages, Second Edition