Core Servlets and JavaServer Pages 2nd Ed 2003 is a comprehensive guidebook that offers a comprehensive introduction to building web applications with Java technologies. Written by Marty Hall and Larry Brown, the book provides a detailed overview of the key concepts and techniques involved in developing server-side web applications using servlets and JSPs.

The book begins by covering the fundamental concepts of servlets, including their lifecycle, request and response handling, and session management. The authors provide a detailed explanation of the HTTP protocol and how it is used in web applications, which sets the foundation for understanding how servlets and JSPs work.

The second half of the book focuses on JSPs and their integration with servlets to create dynamic web pages. The authors cover the JSP lifecycle, tag libraries, expression language, and JSTL, and provide numerous examples to illustrate how these features can be used to build robust web applications.

One of the key strengths of Core Servlets and JavaServer Pages 2nd Ed. 2003 is its emphasis on practical, real-world examples. The authors provide detailed code snippets and walkthroughs for each topic, making it easy for readers to follow along and understand the concepts.

In addition to the core concepts of servlets and JSPs, the book also covers advanced topics such as filters, listeners, and custom tag libraries, which are essential for building enterprise-level web applications.

Overall, Core Servlets and JavaServer Pages 2nd Ed 2003 is an excellent resource for anyone looking to learn how to build dynamic, server-side web applications with Java technologies. Its clear and concise writing style, combined with practical examples and code snippets, make it an ideal guide for both novice and experienced developers. Whether you’re building a simple web application or a complex enterprise-level system, this book is a must-have reference for any Java developer.