Expression

Contains an expression valid in the page scripting language.

JSP Syntax

<%= expression %>

Examples

The map file has <font color="blue"><%= map.getCount() %></font> 
entries.
Good guess, but nope. Try <b><%= numguess.getHint() %></b>.

Description

An expression tag contains a scripting language expression that is evaluated, converted to a String, and inserted where the expression appears in the JSP file. Because the value of an expression is converted to a String, you can use an expression within text in a JSP file.

When you use the Java language for scripting, remember these points:

• You cannot use a semicolon to end an expression (however, the same expression within scriptlet tags requires the semicolon; see Scriptlet).
• The expression tag can contain any expression that is valid according to the Java Language Specification.

You can sometimes use expressions as attribute values in JSP tags (see the JavaServer PagesTM Syntax Card). If an expression has more than one part, the parts are evaluated in left-to-right order as they appear in the tag.

See Also

• Declaration
• Scriptlet