Coding Actions

In the Using Tags lesson, we implemented a Logon form. In this lesson, we interpret the Logon form, and return a different result code depending on the circumstances.

If you have coded along, you can open the Logon action

http://localhost:8080/tutorial/Logon.action

and enter a likely username and passowrd. Since we haven't given the Action any behavior, it redisplays the default Logon.jsp page.

Let's add an Action class that will make the Logon form more interesting.

The Code

Just as an example, we can examine the username and password values. If either or both properties are empty, return INPUT, so that we can collect a valid Logon. Otherwise, return SUCCESS.

package tutorial;
import com.opensymphony.xwork2.ActionSupport;
public class Logon extends ActionSupport {

    public String execute() throws Exception {

        if (isInvalid(getUsername())) return INPUT;
        if (isInvalid(getPassword())) return INPUT;
        return SUCCESS;
    }

    private boolean isInvalid(String value) {
        return (value == null || value.length() == 0);
    }

    private String username;
    public String getUsername() {
        return username;
    }
    public void setUsername(String username) {
        this.username = username;
    }

    private String password;
    public String getPassword() {
        return password;
    }
    public void setPassword(String password) {
        this.password = password;
    }

}

How The Code Works

The framework automaticaly populates the username and password properties for us. All that's left to do is checking to see if either property is empty.

For more about Actions, see Architecture in the Core Developers Guide.