Can you explain the difference between Servlet and JSP in J2EE, and when would you choose to use one over the other in a web application?

The Difference Between Servlet and JSP in J2EE

Servlet and JSP (JavaServer Pages) are both components used in Java Enterprise Edition (J2EE) for building web applications. The key difference between Servlet and JSP lies in their functionality and purpose.

Servlet:

A Servlet is a Java class that dynamically processes and responds to client requests on the server-side. Servlets are responsible for handling the business logic and generating the dynamic content of a web application. They are used to build more complex and robust web applications with greater control over the request processing.

JSP:

JSP is a technology that allows developers to embed Java code within HTML pages to generate dynamic content. JSP simplifies the process of creating web pages by enabling the separation of business logic from presentation logic. It is especially useful for developers with a background in web development as it provides a more familiar way of designing web pages.

Choosing Between Servlet and JSP:

When deciding between using Servlet or JSP in a web application, the choice depends on the specific requirements of the project. Use Servlet when you need fine-grained control over the request processing, complex business logic handling, or when working with Java-based frameworks like Spring. On the other hand, choose JSP for rapid development, easy integration with HTML for frontend design, and when focusing more on the presentation layer of the application.

Overall, understanding the differences between Servlet and JSP in J2EE will help you make informed decisions when designing and developing web applications.