Definition
A Java Applet is a small application programmed in Java that can be embedded on a webpage and delivered to users in the form of bytecode. It runs within a Java compatible web browser using a Java Virtual Machine. Applets are used to make the website more dynamic and entertaining, and to provide complex user-interface functionality.
Phonetic
The phonetics for the keyword “Java Applet” is: ˈʤɑː.və ˈæp.lɪt
Key Takeaways
<ol> <li>Java Applet is used to create web applications: It is a powerful tool used for adding interactivity and complex graphical features to web applications. It can run both on client-side as well on the server-side.</li> <li>Security: Java Applets run in a secure environment known as a “sandbox”. This means they are typically prohibited from performing certain operations, such as making network connections to any host, reading or writing to the local file system, etc. This security feature is a way to protect the user’s system from harmful actions.</li> <li>Limited Support: Many modern browsers no longer support Applets directly. Due to numerous security concerns, the major web browsers have phased out support for Java applets. As a result, many developers are now moving towards Java Web Start or converting their applications to another format.</li></ol>
Importance
Java Applet is an important technology term as it refers to a program built using the Java programming language that can be embedded into a web page, significantly enhancing the functionality of the webpage. Java Applets are designed to be executed within a web browser, providing a variety of functionalities like real-time updates, interactive gaming, or complex calculations that can run without the need for any server requests. Additionally, due to Java’s platform-independent nature, these applets can operate uniformly across different operating systems and devices. Thus, Java Applets have played a vital role in the evolution of internet technology by enabling dynamic and interactive web content.
Explanation
Java Applet is a widely used technology that was designed with the purpose of making web browsing experience more dynamic and interactive. It is a kind of Java program designed to be transmitted over the internet and executed by a Java-compatible web browser. The principal consideration for Java Applet was to improve the visual appeal of the traditionally static web pages, deliver interactive content, and bring live animation to the users in a cross-platform environment. Java Applets can provide interactive features that cannot be provided by HTML alone. They are used to create interactive visualizations, complex calculations, instant calculations, play sounds, and much more. In other words, Java Applets enhance the standard web browsing experience, making it more engaging and user-friendly. For example, online gaming sites, scientific visualization, and financial applications often use Java Applets for sophisticated, interactive elements.
Examples
1. Online Gaming: Many online games and gaming websites, such as Yahoo! Games, used Java applets to enable users to play games directly within their web browser. These applets could provide a rich, interactive gaming experience. 2. Scientific Simulations: Educational websites and science institutions often use Java Applets to simulate various scientific phenomena. For instance, the website PhET Interactive Simulations by The University of Colorado Boulder has many science and mathematics simulations that use Java Applet technology for an interactive learning experience.3. Corporate Intranet Applications: Some corporations develop Java applet-based applications for their internal use. For example, an intranet chat application where employees can collaborate and communicate. It’s important to note that as of 2018, Java applets are deprecated technology and many modern browsers have removed support for them due to security reasons. Many of the use cases for Java applets have been taken over by more modern web technologies such as HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
Q: What is a Java Applet?A: A Java Applet is a program written in the Java programming language that can be included in a HTML page, much in the same way an image is included. Once you use a Java technology-enabled browser to view this web page, the Applet can play automatically.Q: Where is Java Applet used?A: Applets are used to provide interactive features to web applications that cannot be provided by HTML alone. They can capture mouse input and also have controls like buttons or checkboxes.Q: Can Java Applets be run in any web browser?A: No, Java Applets require a Java Runtime Environment installed on the client machine and a browser that supports Java, or a Java plug-in. Q: Are Java Applets safe?A: Generally, Java applets are safe, but like any software downloaded from the internet, there is always a risk of malicious code. Applets are run in a restricted environment (sandbox), which prevents them from accessing certain resources on the local computer.Q: What is a Java plug-in?A: A Java plug-in is a software that allows certain types of web contents to be embedded in a browser, for example Java Applets.Q: What languages are used to write Java Applets?A: Java Applets are primarily written in the Java programming language.Q: Can I create a Java Applet on any operating system?A: Yes, as long as you have a suitable Java Development Kit (JDK) for your operating system, you can create Java Applets.Q: Why do we no longer see many Java Applets?A: Over the years, web technologies like HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript have improved and can now create many of the features that only Applets could do in the past. These technologies are generally faster, more secure and work on all devices, hence, most developers have switched to these newer technologies.
Related Tech Terms
- Bytecode
- JVM (Java Virtual Machine)
- Sandbox Security Model
- Web Browser
- AWT (Abstract Window Toolkit)
