Struts Forward Action Example

                         

In this section we  will learn about Struts ForwardAction (org.apache.struts.actions.ForwardAction). The ForwardAction is one of the Built-in Actions that is shipped with struts framework.

The org.apache.struts.actions.ForwardAction class enables a user to forward request to the specified URL. ForwardAction is an utility classs that is used in cases where a user simply needs to forward the control to an another JSP page. Linking directly a JSP  to an another, violates the MVC principles.  So we achieve this  through  action-mapping. Note that we do not  create any action class. With ForwardAction , simply create an action mapping  in the Strut Configuration and specify the location where the action will forward the request..

Here in this example you will learn more about Struts Forward Action that will help you in grasping the concept better.

No need to develop an Action Class

Developing the Action Mapping in the struts-config.xml

Create seperate action-mapping , for each page you want to link.. Note that the "type" attribute  always take "org.apache.struts.actions.ForwardAction" value. Here  "parameter" attribute specifies the URL to which  the request is  forwarded .

Developing a jsp page

Code of the jsp (ForwardAction.jsp)  to forward request to a different jsp page :

Add the following line in the index.jsp to call the form.

<li>
<html:link page="/pages/ForwardAction.jsp">Struts Forward Action</html:link>
<br>
Example shows you how to use forward class to forward request to another JSP page.
</li>

Building and Testing the Example 

To build and deploy the application go to Struts\Strutstutorial directory and type ant on the command prompt. This will deploy the application. Open the browser and navigate to the ForwardAction.jsp page. Your browser will display the following ForwardAction page.

Selecting  Call the Success page  displays the following Success.jsp page