Forward vs Redirect: Difference and Comparison

Java or HTML-based web applications are made by compiling multiple screens and servlets. The control of the execution process is transferred from one JSP or server to another JSP or server using two methods, namely, the forward method and the redirect method.

Key Takeaways

1. Forward refers to sending an email to another recipient without altering its content, while redirect involves sending the email to another recipient with modifications.
2. Forwarding creates a new email thread, while redirecting retains the original thread.
3. Forwarding may lead to privacy concerns, while redirecting helps maintain confidentiality.

Forward vs Redirect

Forward command is used in websites for transferring a client’s request from one JSP server to another JSP server. In forwarding command, the client is unaware of backend processing. Redirecting refers to sending clients’ requests from one server to another server with the involvement of the user.

The forward method in a web application takes forward the request of the client from one resource of a servlet to another resource of the same server.

The redirect method is a web application that redirects the request of the client from one window of a server to the window of another server. In the forward method, the client is completely unaware of the underlying process; in the redirect method, the client is aware of the process.

Comparison Table

Parameter of Comparison	Forward	Redirect
What does it mean	In applications and web-based systems, the forward command or method is used when there is a need to forward the request from one JSP or servlet to another JSP or servlet.	In web-based systems, the redirect or send redirect command or method is used when there is a need to redirect the client’s request to a different URL located on a different server.
Involvement of the client	When the forward command is applied, the web container processes the request internally, and thus, the client is not directly involved in the process.	When the redirect command is applied, the current window is redirected to a different window, and the client gets the proper information about what is happening. Thus, they have direct involvement in the process.
Control of execution command	The control of the execution command in the forward method remains within the currently ongoing web application.	The control of the execution command in the redirect method is transferred to the new or another window when it shows up.
Speed of execution	The forward command works within a single server. Therefore, it operates at a faster speed.	The redirect command works slower than the forward command since it operates within multiple servers.
Works best when	The forward command is most efficient when the component performs business logic, and the result is shared with another component.	The redirect command works most efficiently when the client is to be redirected from one page to another.

What is Forward?

Forward is an important command in all web-based systems and applications. The forward method is required when there is a requirement to forward the request of the client from one JSP or servlet to another JSP or servlet. 

When the forward method is being carried out, the web container tends to complete the process internally and thus, the client is not directly involved in the process. Thus, it can be said that the client is completely unaware of the process going on in the background.

The forward command operates on a single server, which is faster. The forward command works best when the component performs a business logic, and the result is shared with another component.

What is Redirect?

The redirect command is one of the most important commands for operating within multiple servers. The redirect command is required when there is a requirement to establish a connection between different servers.

In The redirect command, the control is transferred from one server to the other server. The process is displayed on the screen when the redirect method is applied. Therefore, the client is aware of what is happening. 

The redirect command operates between two or more servers. Thus, it operates at a slower speed than the forward command. The redirect command works best when there is a need to be redirected from one page to another.

Main Differences Between Forward and Redirect

1. In web-based systems and applications, the forward command is used for forwarding, whereas the redirect command is used for redirecting the process.
2. The forward command is used to forward the client’s request from one JSP or servlet to another JSP or servlet; on the other hand, the redirect command is used to redirect the client’s request from one server to another.
3. In the forward command, the complete process occurs in the background; conversely, the process is visible on the screen in the redirect command.
4. In the forward command, the client is completely unaware of what is happening in the background; on the other hand, in the redirect command, the client is aware of the process.
5. In the forward method, the execution process remains within the same server; on the other hand, in the redirect method, the execution process takes place between multiple servers.
6. The forward command processes faster since it takes place within a single server. Conversely, the redirect command processes slower than the forward command since it works within multiple servers.
7. The forward command works most efficiently when the component performs business logic and the result is shared with another component; on the other hand, the redirect command works most efficiently when a page is to be redirected to the other page.

References

1. https://www.jbc.org/content/287/32/26944.short
2. https://www.jbc.org/content/287/32/26944.short