Difference between include directive and include action in JSP

When it comes to developing JavaServer Pages (JSP) applications, it is important to understand the distinction between the include directive and include action.

Include Directive

The include directive in JSP is a static include where the included file is merged into the original JSP file during the translation phase. This means that the contents of the included file are physically copied and pasted into the JSP file before the servlet is compiled. The include directive is processed at the translation time, resulting in better performance at runtime.

Include Action

On the other hand, the include action in JSP is a dynamic include where the included file is processed and included at the time the JSP page is executed. This means that the file is included dynamically during runtime, allowing for more flexibility and control over when the content is included. However, this dynamic nature may impact performance compared to the include directive.

Therefore, the main difference between the include directive and include action in JSP lies in the timing of inclusion and the performance implications. While the include directive offers better performance due to static inclusion during translation, the include action provides more flexibility for dynamic inclusion during runtime.

Understanding when to use each method based on the specific requirements of your JSP application is crucial for efficient and effective development.