Difference between getAttribute() and getParameter()

Question

What is the difference between getAttribute() and getParameter() methods within HttpServletRequest class?

Answer 1

• 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.