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

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