Java
Java is the substance whose aroma is awakening the Internet community. It is a new programming language developed by Sun Microsystems that has much in common with the beverage that shares its name. It's good, it's hot, and people know it around the world. Java (the programming language) beats the other stuff hands down though, it's free. Many have heard of Java, yet few know what it is, or what it can do. It certainly has the potential to become a part of our everyday lives, existing in our mobile phones, televisions, and Internet browsers. If you are interested in your future read on.
Java is still in its infancy stage, yet to fulfil its intended purpose. Designed in 1990 as an embedded language for consumer electronics, it was later discovered to be an ideal interface to the Internet. In 1996, Netscape added Java support to its popular Navigator Web browser. The Web began to stir from its static text coma as excited programmers began to incorporate Java applications, "applets", into their Web pages.
An applet is like an application, but it doesn't run stand-alone. An applet must adhere to a set of conventions that allows it to run within a Java-compatible browser. The technology is still evolving, and today, most Java applets are simple animations, or user interactions. The future is brighter, promising full-blown applications over the Internet; imagine using Microsoft Office from your television. For now, though, those who have experienced an applet may be left disappointed. A casual user is unlikely to be impressed with scrolling text, or simple animations, especially if they must pay for them with increased download times. Behind the scenes, unbeknownst to them, truly amazing things are happening.
A Java applet begins its life by being "called" by a Web page. To be technologically correct, the applet is embedded in the Web page. The Web browser then downloads the applet and runs it on your machine. If you just...
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