Using Tag Libraries—Best Practices

Use custom tag libraries in implementing an MVC design pattern. Tag libraries are most effectively used when implementing presentation support behavior specific to JSP pages. Outside of JSP, JSP tags have little or no utility.

Tag libraries should not implement business logic, or common or general behavior. If business logic or common behavior implementations are required, JSP pages via JSP tags should use the services of a business object, such as a JavaBean—again supporting the layer structure of an MVC pattern.

Catalog efficient tag libraries with the goal of building a portfolio of time-saving, efficient, and reusable components. Such a portfolio saves time in routine tasks, especially in the initial stages of a project, by avoiding putting Java code in JSP pages, and by promoting reuse across many JSP pages.

Before implementing your logic, a good search of the previously given tag library resources may yield preexisting functionality that will save you development time.