Display ArrayList size using JSTL?

Hello All,

I am trying to display an ArrayList size. The ArrayList has been stored as a request attribute called "units". When I used the fmt syntax below I get an error.

<fmt:formatNumber value="${units.size}" type="number" pattern="###,##0" />

Here's the error:
An error occurred while evaluating custom action attribute "value" with value "${units.size}": The "." operator was supplied with an index value of type "java.lang.String" to be applied to a List or array, but that value cannot be converted to an integer. (null)

Thanks lots for your time and expertise!

Tom

Since the size() method of the object is not bean-patterned, in which case it would be getSize(), it is not accessible via the EL.

If you are using JSP 2.0 and JSTL 1.1, there is a JSTL function to obtain this value. Under JSP 1.2 and JSTL 1.0, if you need this value on-page, your servlet controller will have to set it as a separate scoped variable.

Bear,

Thanks for your input. I am using JSP 1.0 and JSTL 1.1, but I have decided to generate another request attribute containing an Interger object, which will have the number I'm looking to display. I did not know JSTL functions existed until you mentioned them. The book I have "JSTL IN ACTION", does not mention JSTL fucntions. Thanks for the education!

I did find some more info on the same issue I am running up against where the fellow that posted was wrestling with the same issue.:
http://forum.java.sun.com/wireless/thread.jsp?thread=511513&forum=45&message=2434169

Again thanks for your help and time!

Tom

Sorry correction see bold:

Bear,

Thanks for your input. I am using JSP 2.0 and JSTL 1.1, but I have decided to generate another request attribute containing an Interger object, which will have the number I'm looking to display. I did not know JSTL functions existed until you mentioned them. The book I have "JSTL IN ACTION", does not mention JSTL fucntions. Thanks for the education!

I did find some more info on the same issue I am running up against where the fellow that posted was wrestling with the same issue.:
http://forum.java.sun.com/wireless/thread.jsp?thread=511513&forum=45&message=2434169

Again thanks for your help and time!

Tom