Applet
 | This article possibly contains original research. (June 2009) |
In computing, an applet is any small application that performs one specific task; sometimes running within the context of a larger program, perhaps as a plugin.[1][2] However, the term typically also refers to programs written in the Java programming language which are included in an HTML page.[3] The word Applet was first used in 1993 by the application AppleScript.[citation needed]
Definitions
Applet as standalone application
Some applets are able to function as any other normal software application (provided they are hosted by an operating system), but are small in size and perform only a small set of tasks. Examples of applications often classified as applets are all of the accessories bundled in Microsoft Windows (such as Windows Notepad or Microsoft Paint). Applets are not full-featured application programs.[2]
Applet as extension of other software
In some cases, an applet does not run independently. Such applets must run in a container, which is provided by a host program, through a plugin, or a variety of other applications including mobile devices that support the applet programming model.[clarification needed] Java programmers usually include applets by using the statement import java.applet.Applet[citation needed]
Examples of Web-based Applets include:
- QuickTime movies
- Flash movies.
- Windows Media Player applets - used to display embedded video files in Internet Explorer (and other browsers that support the plugin).
- 3D-modelling display applets allowing a view of a model to be rotated and zoomed.
- Browser games can be applet-based, though some may develop into fully functional applications that require installation.
Applet vs subroutine
A larger application distinguishes its applets through several features:[citation needed]
- Applets execute only on the "client" platform environment of a system, as contrasted from "servlet". As such, an applet provides functionality or performance beyond the default capabilities of its container (the browser).
- The container restricts applets' capabilities.
- Applets are written in a language different from the scripting or HTML language which invokes it. The applet is written in a compiled language, while the scripting language of the container is an interpreted language, hence the greater performance or functionality of the applet. Unlike a "subroutine", a complete web component can be implemented as an applet.
Java Applet
Java Applets can provide web applications with interactive features which cannot be provided by HTML. Since Java's bytecode is platform-independent, Java applets can be executed by browsers running under many platforms, including Windows, Unix, Mac OS and Linux. When a Java technology-enabled web browser processes a page that contains an applet, the applet's code is transferred to the client's system and executed by the browser's Java Virtual Machine (JVM).[4] An HTML page references an applet either via the deprecated <APPLET> tag or via its replacement, the <OBJECT> tag.[5]
See also
References
- ^ "AskOxford: applet", Oxford Dictionaries. Accessed on Jul 21, 2009
- ^ a b "applet: Definition from Answers.com", Answers.com. Accessed on July 21, 2009
- ^ Applet | Abinomics.com
- ^ "Applets", Sun Developer Network. Accessed on July 21, 2009
- ^ "HTML applet tag", W3Schools. Access on July 21, 2009
External links
- Applets API (Sun Developer Network)
- Applets Tutorial (Sun Microsystems)