What is the difference between getAttribute and getParameter in java

Question

I am not able to get the difference between these two terminologies. If anybody can help?

Answer 1

getParameter() -

• getParameter will return the value of a parameter that was submitted by an HTML form or that was included in a query string
• the return type for a parameter is a String
• The Scope of the parameter is per individual request

getAttribute() -

• getAttribute returns an object that you have set in the request, the only way you can use this is in conjunction with a RequestDispatcher. You use a RequestDispatcher to forward a request to another resource
• The return type for attributes is an Object
• Attribute is a server variable that exists within a specified scope application, available for the life of the entire application session, available for the life of the session request, only available for the life of the request page, available for the current JSP page only

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Answer 2

getParameter() returns http request parameters. Those passed from the client to the server. 

For example - http://example.com/servlet?parameter=1. Can only return String

getAttribute() is for server-side usage only - you fill the request with attributes that you can use within the same request. 

For example - you set an attribute in a servlet, and read it from a JSP. Can be used for any object, not just string.