To become an expert Java developer, you must understand the 'why'. This guide takes you under the hood from first principles, building a server so you can truly grasp how frameworks like Spring work and build better applications.

Key Features

• Build a multithreaded HTTP server and application container using Java sockets
• Understand and replicate the internal mechanics of Tomcat and Jakarta EE and Spring features
• Develop a modular Java framework with annotation-based routing and dependency injection
• Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook

Book Description

Ever wondered how a web server like Tomcat actually works or how frameworks like Spring handle requests? This book takes you beneath the surface of Java web development. Starting with low-level socket programming, you’ll build a multithreaded HTTP server from the ground up and extend it into a lightweight application server capable of handling dynamic content. Along the way, you’ll master HTTP request parsing, response generation, servlet-like request handling, and Java reflection and annotations for metaprogramming. As you progress, you’ll evolve this infrastructure into your own Java framework with embedded Tomcat, annotation-driven routing, object serialization with Jackson, and basic dependency injection modeled on Jakarta CDI. Packed with practical examples and end-to-end projects - including building a dynamic temperature service and context-aware app container -this book is a complete guide to learning how modern Java web stacks function under the hood. Whether you're an educator, student, or seasoned Java developer, this hands-on journey will dramatically deepen your understanding of servers, frameworks, and the web architecture that powers everything online today.

What you will learn

• Implement a multithreaded web server using Java sockets
• Decode and construct HTTP requests and responses manually
• Build an application container to serve dynamic Java classes
• Use reflection and annotations for routing and request mapping
• Serialize and deserialize JSON data using Jackson
• Structure projects with modular static and dynamic content
• Manage lightweight session handling and routing logic
• Create and deploy a complete custom Java web framework

Who this book is for

Java developers, computer science students, and educators seeking a deep, hands-on understanding of web server internals and application framework design. Prior knowledge of Java and basic networking concepts is recommended.