Transitioning between Actions in Struts2
In Struts2, actions can seamlessly transition from one to another, leveraging two distinct methods: chaining and redirection. While both techniques facilitate the flow of control between actions, they differ in their approach to retaining request object parameters.
Redirect vs Chain: A Tale of Two Results
Redirection, akin to Servlet redirection, is a straightforward method that forwards the user to a new action. However, it has a limitation: it cannot retain the saved request object parameters. In contrast, chaining allows for the preservation of these parameters, making it an attractive choice for scenarios where data continuity is essential.
Chaining: The Preferred Choice
Chaining is the preferred method for transitioning between actions, as it enables the retention of request object parameters. This is achieved through the use of the chain result type in the Struts2 configuration file. By specifying result_resultChain in the Result tag, you can ensure that the request object parameters are preserved during the transition.
Redirect: A Simpler, yet Limited, Approach
Redirect, on the other hand, is a simpler approach that forwards the user to a new action. However, it lacks the ability to retain request object parameters, making it less suitable for scenarios where data continuity is crucial. The redirect result type is used in the Struts2 configuration file, with result_resultRedirect specified in the Result tag.
Example Configuration
Below is an example Struts2 configuration file that demonstrates the use of chaining and redirection:
<package name="mystruts1" extends="struts-default" namespace="/mystruts1">
<!-- First Action -->
<action name="test_*" class="com.action.TestAction" method="{1}">
<result name="text_chain" type="chain">result_resultChain</result>
<result name="text_redirect" type="redirect">result_resultRedirect</result>
</action>
<!-- Second Action -->
<action name="result_*" class="com.action.ResultAction" method="{1}"></action>
</package>
By leveraging the chain result type, you can ensure a seamless transition between actions while retaining request object parameters. This is particularly useful in scenarios where data continuity is essential, such as in complex workflows or data-driven applications.
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