How to pass java variables from scriptlets to c:when expression in jstl?

Question

what is a proper way to use variables from scriptlets in jstl? I don't know what is wrong in my code:

<%
boolean a = true;
boolean b = false;
%>

<c:choose>
    <c:when test="${a}">
        <c:set var="x" value="It's true"/>
    </c:when>
    <c:when test="${b}">
        <c:set var="x" value="It's false"/>
    </c:when>

</c:choose>

It looks like it doesn't go into the whole block.

Solution

Variables in scriptlets cannot be seen in JSTL because Expression Language, the stuff between ${} used in JSTL, will look for attributes in page, request, session or application. You have to at least store the variable from scriptlet in one of these scopes, then use it.

This is an example:

<%
    boolean a = true;
    request.setAttribute("a", a);
%>

<c:if test="${a}">
    <c:out value="a was found and it's true." />
</c:if>

More info:

• Expression Language StackOverflow wiki
• JSTL StackOverflow wiki

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As a recommendation, stop using scriptlets. Move the business logic in your JSP to controller and the view logic into EL, JSTL and other tags like <display>. More info: How to avoid Java code in JSP files?