What is the preferred method for transferring server-side data to JavaScript: Using Scriplets or making an AJAX call?

Question

What is the preferred method for transferring server-side data to JavaScript: Using Scriplets or making an AJAX call?

At the server side, there is a property file that contains a list of words separated by commas.

words.for.js=some,comma,separated,words

The goal is to convert these words into a JavaScript array.

var words = [some,comma,separated,words];

There are two approaches that I have considered:

1. Using a JSP scriptlet to create a global variable

<%  
    out.print("<script> var words = [");
    out.print( PropertyLoader.getAsCommaSeparated("words.for.js") );
    out.print(" ] </script>");
%>

2. Implementing a service/action (e.g., /getWords.do) and using AJAX to make a call in order to construct the array.

I am uncertain which approach is superior and would appreciate your insights. Is there perhaps a better way to achieve this task?

Thank you.

EDIT:

This also involves comparing a global JS variable (option 1) with an additional HTTP request (option 2) - which one is less optimal? Your perspective on this comparison would be valuable as well.

java javascript ajax jsp scriptlet

Answer 1

Answer №1

Personally, I find it more efficient to include server-side data directly within your JSP's code - #1. This method is quicker and eliminates the need for a callback.

When considering the type of data being used, embedding it in the markup seems suitable for static data like that stored in a properties file. In this scenario, avoiding an extra network request by including it as a global variable makes sense.

However, if you are working with dynamic data, utilizing an ajax callback onload would be the better option.

Answer 2

Personally, I find it more efficient to include server-side data directly within your JSP's code - #1. This method is quicker and eliminates the need for a callback.

When considering the type of data being used, embedding it in the markup seems suitable for static data like that stored in a properties file. In this scenario, avoiding an extra network request by including it as a global variable makes sense.

However, if you are working with dynamic data, utilizing an ajax callback onload would be the better option.

Answer 3

Answer №2

Utilizing an http request for exposure would present a graceful solution with the added benefit of allowing refreshes. The reliance on the browser's javascript capability is already assumed.

Furthermore, if the data is static, consider serving it as a standalone javascript file containing the array initially instead.

Answer 4

Utilizing an http request for exposure would present a graceful solution with the added benefit of allowing refreshes. The reliance on the browser's javascript capability is already assumed.

Furthermore, if the data is static, consider serving it as a standalone javascript file containing the array initially instead.

Answer 5

Answer №3

Have you considered utilizing JSON for sending data to the front end? It can be a more efficient way to handle string data. Here is an example:

String[] s = {"test","test1"};
JSONArray array = new JSONArray();
array.put(s);
request.setAttribute("test", array);

In your JSP file, you can access the array like this:

<script>
  var array='${test}'
</script>

Update:

It's recommended to store configurations in the servlet context as it remains consistent throughout the web application and doesn't change unless the application is restarted.

ServletContext context = getServletContext();
Properties prop = new Properties();
prop.load(context.getResourceAsStream("/WEB-INF/filename.properties"));
String[] configArray = prop.get("words.for.js").toString().split(",");
context.setAttribute("configArray", myConfigArray);

If you are using ServletContextListener, you can set the configuration array like this:

ServletContext ctx = servletContextEvent.getServletContext();
ctx.setAttribute("configArray", myConfigArray);

Answer 6

Have you considered utilizing JSON for sending data to the front end? It can be a more efficient way to handle string data. Here is an example:

String[] s = {"test","test1"};
JSONArray array = new JSONArray();
array.put(s);
request.setAttribute("test", array);

In your JSP file, you can access the array like this:

<script>
  var array='${test}'
</script>

Update:

It's recommended to store configurations in the servlet context as it remains consistent throughout the web application and doesn't change unless the application is restarted.

ServletContext context = getServletContext();
Properties prop = new Properties();
prop.load(context.getResourceAsStream("/WEB-INF/filename.properties"));
String[] configArray = prop.get("words.for.js").toString().split(",");
context.setAttribute("configArray", myConfigArray);

If you are using ServletContextListener, you can set the configuration array like this:

ServletContext ctx = servletContextEvent.getServletContext();
ctx.setAttribute("configArray", myConfigArray);

What is the preferred method for transferring server-side data to JavaScript: Using Scriplets or making an AJAX call?

Answer №1

Answer №2

Answer №3

Similar questions

Vue.js encountering an issue of receiving null for the JSON data upon the initial loading phase

JavaScript form validation involves using client-side scripting to ensure that

I'm unable to resolve all parameters for xxx -- unit testing using jest

Enhancing the efficiency of typed containers in JavaScript

Retrieve data from a list using an API

What's the best way to align three images in a row?

When the div is loaded, automatically navigate to the crucial li element within it, such as the one with the class "import

Display the spinner until the data is successfully updated in the DOM using Angular

Troubleshooting issues with filtering two MongoDB arrays in ES6 and finding a solution

My attempt to use the Redux method for displaying data in my testing environment has not yielded

Can you merge multiple req.body requests?

`Updating table values using jQuery`

JavaScript Summation Calculation

Can you explain the distinction between show() and showAndWait() methods in the Java FX Stage class?

In JavaScript, ensure to directly use the value of a variable when defining an asynchronous function, rather than by reference

Adjust the text according to the selected checkbox option

What are some effective ways to analyze jQuery and JavaScript using web development tools?

Understanding how to access and process data submitted to classic ASP through jQuery AJAX

Having Trouble with Updating Variables in AngularJS Service

Tips for retrieving a single value from AJAX response data