Professional Java 2 Enterprise Edition: With BEA Web Logic Server (Programmer to Programmer) Book

Despite the title, Professional Java 2 Enterprise Edition with BEA WebLogic Server is basically a book about "middleware". Most of it is applicable to any well-implemented Java application server. It covers all three tiers: client, server and data store along with the technologies enabling their interaction. Even better, it doesn't assume you are building your applications in a vacuum. Excellent coverage is given to integrating existing company applications with the Web application server.The authors adopt a familiar conceit and build their lessons on the story of Pizza2Go, a pizza company taking its business online--listen up, there are other foods. On a more positive note the authors are happy to discuss competing technologies--for example, when introducing Java server pages they also talk about ASP and Cold Fusion. Such discussion is kept under control, though, with the emphasis firmly on Java developer needs. This runs through the selection of an appropriate technology for each feature of the business model, how it fits into the application architecture and then through to coding.Practical business requirements are well addressed, such as how to implement a WAP interface to the application. But one of the best features of the book is the huge section devoted to building the Grinder, an application designed to stress test the whole portal.Anyone using transaction-based Web sites is well aware of how poorly so many perform their functions. After working your way through Professional Java 2 Enterprise Edition with BEA WebLogic Server you can be sure you won't be responsible for delivering cold pizzas. --Steve PatientRead More