Println statements are very useful for debugging applications, but do you view the output when an applet is running in the debugger? By default, when you create a Visual J++ 6.0 project and run it within the debugger, the applet is actually run via the Wjview.exe application. This application interacts with the Visual J++ IDE. It also eats all system.out.println statements.
However, you can see all of your output quickly and easily by changing a debugger default. To do that, choose Project –< Properties from the menu, then select the Launch tab, if it isn't already selected. Then check the Launch As A Console Application check box. Now, when you run your applet, you'll be greeted with what appears to be a DOS window, which contains all your System.out messages.