Java HTML how to create a forum

[forumlover]

I am new to web development. I plan to create a forum for discussion of study group for my friends in some other area such as management. I want to know what do I need to use from Java and HTML to create a forum. Can I use Swing components like JTable or what is the best way to do this? This forum is going to be web-based. Do I need to use any advanced Java components such as JSP or Servlets? What do I need to use from HTML please help.

[potterd64]

It would probably be much more beneficial for your friends if you just set up a networking group through google or yahoo. They have great tools for creating customized discussion forums.

If you want to create a forum as a learning exercise, I would suggest learning about databases, SQL, and JSP. SWING components aren't used in web development. You probably wont need to use servlets, servlets are just compiled JSP pages. You'll use JSP to dynamically create HTML.

First learn how to create a basic JSP page. Then learn how to create a simple login system where you check a username/password against a server side file. Then learn how to setup database tables and interact with them through JSP. You can use the database to store user information and forum topics. I've never made a forum before but I imagine you'd want a table for thread topics, and a separate table that holds messages which links into the thread topics table.

[jetbrains]

Forum is a very complex system. You can download a copy of jive 2.0 which is open source and based on struts to study.

[bryce4president]

If you are going to code JSP pages then you better be using servlets. You don't want to make a code mashed JSP that has scriptlets all through it to create dynamic html. That is horrible design and a nightmare to maintain. You should learn jsp, servlets, sql, databases, and MVC design pattern if you want to go this route. No matter what route you want to go, learn MVC and you will be happy later.

[Hellow]

phpBB has a simple, user-friendly interface, a helpful FAQ and a generous administrator control panel.
You can choose the databases server (MySQL, MS-SQL, PostgreSQL or Access/ODBC), the functionalities (at first I was a little discouraged by the mods installation process but I found great support on the online community and the documentation they provide answered all my questions) the skins... Everything is customizable so you can create the forum you wish.

If you haven't got much time, and want to see what the new phpbb3 can offer, just try it out on this host : free forum hosting (http://www.**********.com)

Hope this can help!