Creating a Web Interface

[Freeze]

I am working on a project and I want to use a web interface as the front end. There isn't going to be any database queries or anything like that. I just want to be able to do user authentication (name/password I guess) and call Java methods from the web page and have the content be dynamic (depending on different variables, status, etc). Initially, this will be a local page residing on the server. Eventually I want to be able to access it from anywhere on the web. So what would be the best way to accomplish this?

Thanks.

 

[Nothinman]

It all depends on what web server, scripting languages you know, etc.

 

[Techwhore]

well, the authentication isn't hard. If you use Apache just create a .htpasswd file. If you've written java scripts or plan to, then just include the method's into your html.

 

[Freeze]

Well, that is the problem. I am developing all the software for the project. There are others involved with hardware. I should mention that this is a school project (Senior year design). I am really only familiar with Java. I am not that familiar with javascripts, but is it safe to assume this kind of structure: write web page -> embed javascript ->js can call java routines?

Web server is entirely TBD. I was just going to use my PC as a web server for the purpose of this project, hence the local copy first. Please enlighten me.

Thanks again.

 

[Techwhore]

I would suggest Apache, but i think the only PC version is for win2k/xp, not sure on that though. It's safe, secure, and flexible. You can use IIS if you have NT/2k/xp but take the time to install the patches

I don't know java or java scripting, so i can't help you with those questions, sorry.

NOTE: If you use apache 2k the .htpasswd file is gonna have to be something like h.htpasswd because MS OS's can't write files that begin with a "." because it sees it as an extension.

 

[markjrubin]

<< I am really only familiar with Java. I am not that familiar with javascripts, but is it safe to assume this kind of structure: write web page -> embed javascript ->js can call java routines?
>>



That's wrong. What I would do is install the java webserver or some free java application server. Then use jsp (Java Server Pages) to talk to a servlet that you create. Employers dig that.

 

[bo_bear]

Exactly, I would suggest installing Apache Tomcat and use JSP. It would be easy if you're already familiar with Java. You do not necessarily need to do Servlet, for simple authentication and dynamic content generating, JSP would be sufficient. JSP is just one type of Servlet.

 

[bunker]

I was just going to use my PC as a web server for the purpose of this project, hence the local copy first.

What you need to understand is that to create any type of dynamic web page you need to be able to test it on a web server (Apache, IIS, etc...) It's not like regular html where you can look at a site on your machine without a web server.

 

[manly]

<< I was just going to use my PC as a web server for the purpose of this project, hence the local copy first.

What you need to understand is that to create any type of dynamic web page you need to be able to test it on a web server (Apache, IIS, etc...) It's not like regular html where you can look at a site on your machine without a web server. >>



You're right, but for testing, you can run a web (app) server on localhost.

The recommendation of Apache Tomcat for this task is a good one.

Another good (but not free speech) Java web app server is Caucho Resin.

I'd run to the bookstore and buy Kolb & Field's Web Development w/ JSP, although I hear the second edition is landing soon.

 

[Sestar]

Javascript has nothing to do with java, in fact its only client not server side, pickup a book called core servlets and java server pages. It should be smooooth sailing from thereon.