239
votes

I am a complete JSP beginner. I am trying to use a java.util.List in a JSP page. What do I need to do to use classes other than ones in java.lang?

6
Not to mention that this is not the best practice ;)BalusC

6 Answers

353
votes

Use the following import statement to import java.util.List:

<%@ page import="java.util.List" %>

BTW, to import more than one class, use the following format:

<%@ page import="package1.myClass1,package2.myClass2,....,packageN.myClassN" %>
50
votes

FYI - if you are importing a List into a JSP, chances are pretty good that you are violating MVC principles. Take a few hours now to read up on the MVC approach to web app development (including use of taglibs) - do some more googling on the subject, it's fascinating and will definitely help you write better apps.

If you are doing anything more complicated than a single JSP displaying some database results, please consider using a framework like Spring, Grails, etc... It will absolutely take you a bit more effort to get going, but it will save you so much time and effort down the road that I really recommend it. Besides, it's cool stuff :-)

20
votes

In the page tag:

<%@ page import="java.util.List" %>
8
votes

In case you use JSTL and you wish to import a class in a tag page instead of a jsp page, the syntax is a little bit different. Replace the word 'page' with the word 'tag'.

Instead of Sandman's correct answer

<%@page import="path.to.your.class"%>

use

<%@tag import="path.to.your.class"%>
5
votes

Use Page Directive to import a Class in JSP page. Page Directive Uses 11 Different types of Attributes , One of them is "import". Page Directive with import Attribute Allows you to Mention more than one package at the same place separated by Commas(,). Alternatively you can have multiple instances of page element each one with Different package .

For Example:

 <%@ page import = "java.io.*" %>
 <%@ page import = "java.io.*", "java.util.*"%>

Note : the import attribute should be placed before the element that calls the importd class .

4
votes

This is the syntax to import class

  <%@ page import="package.class" %>