6 Best-Selling Apache Struts Books Developers Trust

These best-selling Apache Struts books, authored by respected experts, offer proven guidance and practical insights for developers mastering Struts frameworks.

Updated on June 28, 2025
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2 of 6 books have Kindle versions

There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in a niche as dynamic as Apache Struts. This framework remains a cornerstone for many Java web developers, evolving with new versions that blend legacy strengths with modern web practices. Millions of developers have turned to trusted books to navigate its complexities and stay current, ensuring they build robust, maintainable applications.

The six books featured here come from authors deeply embedded in the Struts community. Don Brown, a core Struts 2 developer, teams with other seasoned writers to illuminate the framework's architecture and practical application. Meanwhile, seasoned instructors like Arnold Doray and enterprise-focused authors such as James Goodwill bring decades of experience shaping developers’ skills. These works stand out for their clear explanations, real-world examples, and attention to evolving technologies like Ajax and Spring integration.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks and validated approaches, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Apache Struts needs might consider creating a personalized Apache Struts book that combines these validated methods with your unique project goals and experience level. This ensures you gain exactly the knowledge and tools relevant to your development journey.

Best for advanced Struts 2 developers
Kindle version available
Struts 2 in Action stands out by capturing the transition from classic Struts to the enhanced Struts 2 framework. Authored by Don Brown, a leading developer on the Struts 2 project, alongside Chad Michael Davis and Scott Stanlick, the book offers a thorough introduction to building modern Java web applications with this framework. Its example-driven chapters cover core features such as Actions, Results, and Interceptors while also addressing new capabilities like plugin support and annotation-based configuration. This book is especially valuable for developers familiar with earlier Struts versions seeking to adopt the latest best practices and tools in Apache Struts development.
Struts 2 in Action book cover

by Don Brown, Chad Michael Davis, Scott Stanlick

2008·432 pages·Apache Struts, Software Development, Web Development, Java Frameworks, Plugin Architecture

The breakthrough moment came when Don Brown, a key Struts 2 developer, teamed with Chad Michael Davis and Scott Stanlick to capture the evolution of Apache Struts in this book. You’ll learn how Struts 2 merges legacy frameworks with modern approaches, including plugin architecture, JavaServer Faces integration, and annotation-based configuration. The book dives into critical components like Actions and Interceptors with clear, example-driven explanations, making it ideal if you’ve worked with Struts 1 or WebWork 2 and want to upgrade your skills. However, if you’re new to Java web frameworks altogether, some familiarity will help you get the most from its technical depth.

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Best for Java web beginners
Kindle version not available
Beginning Apache Struts offers a focused introduction to Apache Struts 1.2, designed specifically for Java programmers with some JSP experience but new to Servlets. Its proven tutorial and lab format reflects testing in real classroom environments, ensuring that you can learn and apply Struts concepts efficiently. The book also looks ahead by previewing Apache Shale, providing insight into the framework's evolution. Whether you’re aiming to enhance your web application skills or preparing for professional development work, this book provides a clear path from novice to confident practitioner in the Struts ecosystem.
2006·536 pages·Apache Struts, Software Development, Web Development, Java Programming, Servlet Technology

Arnold Doray's experience teaching Java and JSP in classroom settings shaped this book into a practical guide for programmers new to Servlet technology and Apache Struts 1.2. You learn to build Struts applications through a clear tutorial and lab format, which walks you through key concepts like action handling, form beans, and configuration files. The book even previews Apache Shale, hinting at future directions beyond Struts. If you have some JSP background but haven't worked with Struts, this book equips you with confidence to apply these skills in your projects and deepen your understanding of Java web frameworks.

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Best for personal learning paths
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This AI-created book on Apache Struts is tailored to your skill level and specific goals. By sharing your background and the Struts topics you want to focus on, you receive a book that matches your learning needs precisely. This personalized approach helps you concentrate on the methods and examples most relevant to your development experience and project demands. It’s a focused way to deepen your understanding without wading through unrelated material.
2025·50-300 pages·Apache Struts, Struts Architecture, Action Handling, Form Validation, Integration Techniques

This personalized book explores the step-by-step methods to master Apache Struts frameworks effectively. It focuses on your interests, skill level, and goals to provide tailored guidance through the core concepts and advanced features of Struts. You will gain a deeper understanding of the framework’s architecture, action handling, form validation, and integration with other technologies like Ajax and Spring. The book examines real-world examples that match your background, helping you navigate common development challenges and optimize your applications. By combining proven popular knowledge with insights shaped by millions of developers, this tailored resource offers a focused learning path that supports your specific Apache Struts mastery journey.

Tailored Guide
Struts Mastery Path
1,000+ Happy Readers
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Best for hands-on project learning
Kindle version not available
Ian Roughley's Practical Apache Struts 2 Web 2.0 Projects stands out by focusing on the enhanced capabilities introduced in Struts 2, such as Ajax integration and Spring framework compatibility. This book has resonated with many developers seeking to deepen their understanding of Struts within modern Web 2.0 contexts. It guides you through building a real-world web application project, mirroring the challenges faced in enterprise environments, and teaches you how to leverage Struts 2’s features to create responsive, maintainable applications. If you want to harness the full potential of Apache Struts 2 and update your Java web development skills, this resource offers a clear path forward.
2007·358 pages·Apache Struts, Web Development, Java, Framework Integration, Ajax

When Ian Roughley first realized the potential of Struts 2's integration with Ajax and Spring, he set out to guide developers through these powerful enhancements. This book offers detailed explanations of Struts 2 features, focusing on practical use in Web 2.0 environments, such as leveraging POJOs and asynchronous interactions. You’ll learn to build dynamic, maintainable web applications through a step-by-step project that mirrors enterprise challenges, making complex concepts tangible. If you’re a Java developer aiming to upgrade your skills with the latest Struts capabilities, this book gives you concrete tools and examples to move beyond basics and harness modern web frameworks effectively.

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Best for full lifecycle developers
Kindle version available
This book stands out for its methodical breakdown of Apache Struts 2 development, offering Java developers a clear path from initial design through deployment. With its focus on one topic per chapter and practical examples, it makes navigating the complexities of Struts 2.1 manageable even if you're new to JavaScript or CSS. The book’s approach to combining agile programming practices with detailed lifecycle management caters to developers seeking hands-on guidance and smoother migration from earlier frameworks. Its structured layout and comprehensive coverage make it a reliable resource for anyone invested in building or upgrading web applications using Apache Struts.
2009·384 pages·Web Application Development, Apache Struts, Agile Programming, Application Lifecycle, Java Development

After exploring the intricacies of Java web frameworks, Dave Newton crafted this book to guide developers through the nuances of Struts 2. The text walks you through designing, developing, testing, and deploying web applications with clear examples and focused chapters on agile programming and lifecycle management. You’ll gain a solid grasp of Struts 2.1 without needing prior JavaScript or CSS knowledge, making it accessible for both newcomers and those migrating from Struts 1 or WebWork. If your goal is to build robust Java web applications using Struts 2 with practical insights into related technologies, this book addresses those skills directly.

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Best for enterprise Struts 1 mastery
Kindle version not available
Professional Jakarta Struts offers a thorough exploration of the Apache Software Foundation's Jakarta Struts framework, focusing on the final release of Struts 1.1. It guides you through building and deploying sophisticated Java web applications by covering core technologies like JSPs, servlets, and the Tomcat server. This book’s detailed approach to Struts architecture, Validators, and presentation customization makes it a practical resource for Java developers seeking to implement enterprise-level solutions using Struts. It addresses common challenges in web app development and supports building scalable, maintainable projects with this popular framework.
Professional Jakarta Struts (Programmer to Programmer) book cover

by James Goodwill, Richard Hightower

2003·456 pages·Apache Struts, Software Development, Web Development, Enterprise Applications, Java Programming

What started as an effort to fully explore the capabilities of Struts 1.1 became a detailed guide to mastering enterprise-level Java web applications. James Goodwill and Richard Hightower dive into the architecture of Jakarta Struts, explaining how to construct robust applications with components like ActionForms and Commons Validator. You’ll gain insights into customizing presentation layers with Tiles and managing error handling effectively. This book suits Java developers aiming to deepen their understanding of Struts 1.1 and build scalable, maintainable web solutions.

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Best for personal project plans
Can send to Kindle
This AI-created book on Apache Struts is tailored to your skill level and project goals. You share your experience and the specific Struts topics you want to focus on, and the book is created to match exactly what you need. This personalized approach makes learning efficient by centering on hands-on projects and practical techniques relevant to your development background. You get a resource that helps build real skills faster by focusing on the aspects of Struts development that matter most to you.
2025·50-300 pages·Apache Struts, Java Web Development, Project-Based Learning, MVC Architecture, Form Handling

This tailored book explores hands-on project-based learning to help you quickly apply Apache Struts techniques. It covers practical examples and guided projects that reveal how to build and deploy Struts applications, focusing on your interests and matching your background. By addressing your specific goals, this personalized resource fosters an engaging learning experience that bridges foundational concepts and real-world coding skills. The book examines essential Struts components, integration methods, and effective coding patterns, providing a clear path to mastering this powerful Java framework. With its tailored approach, you gain focused insights that align perfectly with your development journey.

Tailored Guide
Project-Based Learning
1,000+ Happy Readers
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Best for Ajax-enhanced Struts apps
Kindle version not available
Pro Apache Struts with Ajax offers a unique, application-centric approach to mastering the Apache Struts MVC web framework, emphasizing practical evolution into Shale and WebWork/Struts Ti. The authors detail common design pitfalls and how to avoid them, making this an invaluable resource for developers looking to build maintainable and scalable Java web applications. Its focus on real development challenges and framework transitions underscores its lasting value in the Apache Struts community.
Pro Apache Struts with Ajax (Expert's Voice in Java) book cover

by John Carnell, Rob Harrop, Kunal Mittal

2006·550 pages·Apache Struts, Ajax, Software Development, Web Development, MVC Framework

What started as an effort to address common pitfalls in web application development led John Carnell, Rob Harrop, and Kunal Mittal to write this focused guide on Apache Struts 1.2 and Ajax integration. You’ll learn not just how to implement Struts effectively, but also how to avoid long-term design mistakes that complicate code reuse. The authors take an application-driven approach, showing you how to evolve from Struts into frameworks like Shale and WebWork/Struts Ti, all while highlighting antipatterns that can trip you up. If you’re building Java web applications and want to deepen your understanding of MVC frameworks alongside Ajax, this book will sharpen your skills without fluff.

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Conclusion

This selection highlights several clear themes: practical frameworks that have stood the test of time, expert authorship grounded in real development challenges, and the integration of modern web technologies within the Struts ecosystem. If you prefer proven methods, start with "Struts 2 in Action" or "Beginning Apache Struts" to build foundational and advanced skills.

For validated approaches that emphasize project implementation and contemporary enhancements, "Practical Apache Struts 2 Web 2.0 Projects" and "Pro Apache Struts with Ajax" offer actionable insights. Meanwhile, "Professional Jakarta Struts" and "Apache Struts 2 Web Application Development" provide depth in enterprise-level architecture and full lifecycle development.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Apache Struts book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many developers succeed in building robust Java web applications with Struts.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Beginning Apache Struts" if you're new to Struts; it offers clear tutorials for novices. If you have some experience, "Struts 2 in Action" provides deeper insights into the latest framework version.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Apache Struts?

Not necessarily. "Beginning Apache Struts" is tailored for newcomers with some Java knowledge, while other books like "Practical Apache Struts 2 Web 2.0 Projects" offer hands-on learning suitable for intermediate developers.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick based on your goals. For foundational skills, one book suffices. But combining books like "Struts 2 in Action" with "Pro Apache Struts with Ajax" offers broader perspectives on both core and enhanced features.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast Apache Struts changes?

Some books focus on Struts 1 or early 2 versions, but they remain valuable for understanding architecture and migration. For the latest features, "Struts 2 in Action" and "Apache Struts 2 Web Application Development" are more current.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

"Professional Jakarta Struts" and "Struts 2 in Action" delve into framework theory and architecture, while "Practical Apache Struts 2 Web 2.0 Projects" emphasizes hands-on application through real-world projects.

Can personalized Apache Struts books complement these expert guides?

Yes! While these expert books provide solid foundations, personalized Apache Struts books tailor content to your specific background and goals, efficiently combining proven methods with your unique needs. Explore customized guides here.

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