Difference Between jsp:include and jsp:forward in JSP

In JSP, both jsp:include and jsp:forward are used to include or forward content from one JSP file to another, but they have different functionalities and behaviors.

jsp:include

The jsp:include action is used to include the content of another resource (such as a JSP file, HTML file, or servlet) in the current JSP page at the time the page is requested by the client. It is a static inclusion, and the included content is merged with the calling JSP page before the response is sent back to the client.

jsp:forward

The jsp:forward action is used to forward the request from one JSP page to another resource (such as a JSP file, servlet, or HTML file) on the server before the response is sent back to the client. It is a dynamic action that transfers the control to the new resource, and the new resource is responsible for generating the response.

Key Differences:

• Behavior: jsp:include merges the included content with the calling page, while jsp:forward transfers the control to a new resource.
• Timing: jsp:include includes the content when the page is requested, while jsp:forward forwards the request before the response is sent.
• Static vs Dynamic: jsp:include is a static inclusion, jsp:forward is a dynamic forward.

Understanding the difference between jsp:include and jsp:forward in JSP is important for designing efficient and modular JSP applications.