Accessing constants using EL

I have a class called Constants.java that contains a number of static final constants.

When I try accessing them by ${Constants.CONST_NAME}, nothing is returned. I have also tried creating a getCONST_NAME() method in the class but this does not return anything either.

If I use <%= Constants.CONST_NAME %> the correct value is returned.

Is the root of my problem that I have missed something, or can it be some kind of setting on my Tomcat server I have not set?

I'm using Tomcat 5.0.27.

Thanks

Nope you haven't missed anything.

The getCONST_NAME() method should work though, as long as it is not static. ie public String getCONST_NAME();

Another way to do it is via a map.
Bear recently contributed an article on this: http://www.javaranch.com/journal/200508/Journal200508.jsp#a1

And another post about it:
http://forum.java.sun.com/thread.jspa?threadID=508847

The EL has no means to access class constants.

There was an extended conversation on this subject a while back in the very forum. If you look back (perhaps a month or os) you may find it.

It is also a subject that is mentioned in this JavaRanch Journal article.

[Bear and Stefan go BUMP!]
[ August 29, 2005: Message edited by: Bear Bibeault ]

Thank you for your quick responses Stefan and Bear.

The section on Constants in Bear's article worked like a charm.

Thanks again!