In theory, it doesn't matter what application server you run for J2EE-compliant applications. This title proves the traditional wisdom wrong. It explores the inner workings of setting up and running Java on BEA WebLogic while providing a solid tour to the Java APIs and standards supported by all J2EE-compliant application servers. Short chapters on standard APIs and "application styles" including servlets and JSPs show off the basics here. Along the way, the authors provide specific practical advice for cooperating with the BEA server product, including nuts-and-bolts configuration advice.
The book's dual focus on introducing key J2EE APIs and how to implement them on BEA is probably best illustrated with its several excellent chapters on Enterprise JavaBeans (EJBs). Not only do the authors introduce key concepts on how to design and code real EJBs, but they deliver numerous tips for choosing the right kind of bean based on the optimizations available in BEA. (For example, they cover the optimized "find" methods available in entity beans, which should be faster than even do-it-yourself code in bean-managed persistence, BMP, components.) This is invaluable information that can let you write code that really flies on the BEA platform.
Other sections look at leading-edge support available in J2EE in message beans, transactions (and JTA), plus other ways to extend the range of your Java BEA applications with e-mail, plus better security (with SSL and built-in Java authentication).
In all, this title makes a strong case that learning the underlying application server platform will let you create better Java applications. This title is a worthy resource for anyone using BEA WebLogic to power their Java applications, whether they are a developer, administrator, or manager. --Richard Dragan