Struts Dialogs is an extension of Struts actions that provides an
improved user experience along with event-based programming model.
Struts Dialogs currently consists of two action classes: SelectAction
and DialogAction.
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SelectAction
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SelectAction is an abstract Action that dispatches an HTTP form
submission event to a handler method.
The purpose of this class is processing submission of HTML forms.
Unlike DispatchAction and LookupDispatchAction, which correlate value
attribute of submit form element with handler method, SelectAction
uses name attribute. This allows to display a user-friendly caption on
a submit button. Also, it is possible to change button caption without
rebuilding the application.
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DialogAction
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DialogAction is an abstract Action that provides basic dialog
functions, like accepting input data, dispatching submit event to a
method, generating error messages and rendering a view. DialogAction
allows to create robust user inteface and provides simple event-based
programming model.
DialogAction incorporates several innovative design decisions not
previously used in Struts. Some of them are already implemented in
other frameworks, like Ruby on Rails or JSF. Other features are unique
to DialogAction.
The cornerstone concept of DialogAction is separation of input and
output processes. This solves several issues, related to HTML form
input, like double submit problem, annoying POSTDATA messages, bad
usability when Reload, Back and Forward buttons are used.
DialogAction defines three different modes of operation:
* action initialization prepares action for use with new set of data;
* user input process accepts input data, updates domain model,
generates error messages;
* view rendering process generates a result page.
Separation of input and output improves usability and user experience:
* Any page can be reloaded without resending input information to
the server.
* As a consequence, an application does not have to cope with
double submits.
* Another consequence is that a user does not see "Do you want to
resend POSTDATA?" message.
* Using Back and Forward buttons is safe, because only result
pages are browsed.
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Documents, files, samples
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Online samples:
http://www.superinterface.com/strutsdialog
Documentataion:
http://wiki.java.net/bin/view/Projects/StrutsDialogs
If you cannot see pictures on SelectAction and DialogAction pages,
you might need to register and login to java.net. But it should
work without logging in.
Source code for DialogAction and amples is located at:
Folder:
https://easywizard.dev.java.net/servlets/ProjectDocumentList?folderID=3494&expandFolder=3494&folderID=3494
File name:
strutsdialog.zip
Michael Jouravlev.
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