A web application framework provides common functionality and architecture that can be inherited by applications built on the framework. Struts 2 follows the MVC pattern where the action handles the model, the result handles the view, and the FilterDispatcher handles the controller. Struts 2 uses interceptors, which are components that execute before and after request processing, to define reusable workflow and crosscutting tasks separately from other architectural concerns.

1. 1.2.1 What's a Framework?<br />Definition: A web application framework is a piece of structural software that provides automation of common tasks of the domain as well as providing a built in architectural solution that can be easily inherited by applications implemented on the framework.<br />1.3.2 Struts 2 : the MVC Pattern<br /> The MVC design pattern identifies three distinct concerns: model, view and controller. In Struts 2 these concerns are implemented by the action, result and FilterDispatcher, respectively.<br />1.3.3 How Struts 2 Works<br />Interceptors<br />Definition: Interceptors are Struts 2 components that execute both before and after the<br />rest of the request processing. They provide an architectural component in which to<br />define various workflow and crosscutting tasks so that they can be easily reused as well<br />as separated from other architectural concerns.<br />