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Java. Media Hype or Killer Web Tool?Unless you've been living under a log, like my friend Melvin, you've probably heard about Java. Heck half of the office workforce would be comatose without their daily dose of Java. Oops... Wrong Java. Well so much for my kickbacks from the Colombian Coffee Cartel. Actually Java is a key technology in making a truly powerful Web possible. That's because, until we're all mind numbed Micro$oft funding robots, a web that only works for one computer type just doesn't work. While HTML makes it possible to present formatted information to users on any computer we need a programming language to make dynamic functionality, ranging from spiffy graphics to loan calculators, that is platform independent. That language is Java!So why is everyone talking about Java? Because content providers, both web masters and programmers, realize that Java lets them write their products once but sell/deliver them to users on any computer. This is good because it means that instead of forcing users to use the OS that you develop on you can develop on any OS and deliver to any OS. Your customer base increases at no cost to you. Even better when Apple or Oracles Network Computer sweeps the world your Java code will still run, no changes required. As an IBM ad I saw said this means you can start building your own software empire not enriching someone else. If you don't plan to build software you'll still benefit from an increased diversity in software suppliers and Java development tools. Terms to talk by Before we can begin to learn how to use Java to enrich our web sites, enthrall our visitors, and make us big bucks from advertising we need to know what all the buzzwords mean. The good news is that, as is usually the case, once you find out what the words mean the concepts are pretty straightforward. Applet: A small program which can be embedded in a web page Java: A platform independent programming language developed by Sun MicroSystems JavaScript: The scripting, not programming language, used by Netscapes browsers. Very powerful but tied to the browser and not a general programming language. Programming Language: A special way of writing instructions that any computer even a dumb(pick your favorite hated machine) DOS, Windows, Mac, Unix box can understand.
If you remember nothing else remember that Java is not related to JavaScript Ok now go out and write some Java applets! What you weren't born understanding Java? Gosh and here I thought I was the only one. Well I guess we'd better start learning how to write Java applets. But first lets see what Java can and can't do for our web sites.
Java Can:
Java Can't:
Interestingly enough even the things that Java can't do are good. In fact what Java can't do on the web is as important as what it can do. Active X can do a lot more on the web than Java can. With ActiveX I can write a web delivered program that will find out how you do electronic banking and file false tax forms from your computer in your name, if you use a Wintel computer or a Microsoft browser that is. Java on the other hand, contrary to what Micro$oft might say, was designed from the bottom up with security in mind. While dedicated hackers occasionally find small security chinks in Java as time goes on Java gets more and more secure. At the very least Java is currently vulnerable only to attacks by the most sophisticated attackers while anyone who knows anything about ActiveX can write components that will delete all of the files on your computer and then turn it off, if it's a Wintel box or you use a Microsoft browser that is. Security is very important because no one is going to download an applet from your page if that applet could wreck their computer. Look at the mess of problems we've been having with Microsoft Word virii lately. No one wants that on a grand scale. Given that the various software companies will keep Java secure and the browsers will support it what should you think about when you're considering to deploy a Java applet to your web site?
The first issue is important because if your visitors browsers don't support Java then they clearly can't make use of the wonderful Java applet you're going to deploy. While all the latest browsers support Java earlier versions don't and many users tend to hang on to earlier versions. The best solution is to track the browsers that visit your site. If you can't or don't to that you can fall back on published surveys of the percentage of users with Netscape 2.0, Netscape 3.0, etc. You should apply a little Kentucky windage to take into account your sites content. If you've got a cutting edge site loaded with JavaScript, VRML etc you're probably safe in assuming that your visitors will have the latest browsers. On the other hand if your site is designed to help you sell stuff then you might aim at the broadest possible market and pass on Java at the moment. While I like Java it's not always the best approach. If you can accomplish what you want with an animated GIF, some simple HTML, or a CGI--assuming you know how to write CGI's-- then you use the simpler approach. While Java is pretty simple for a programming language-- and probably easier to master than Perl-- it is a programming language. The last thing you need to think about is the cost of producing a Java applet. Unless you're Bill Gates the amount of time and money involved in adding a Java applet to your web site is something you've got to consider. The good news is that not only are there lots of freeware and shareware Java applets out there that you can use without writing any code-- my next article will show you how to do that and where to look for the best products--but there are tools that let you generate custom Java without having to write any code. For folks who are more enthused about programming there are tons of development tools that drastically reduce the cost of developing Java. No matter what approach you take you need to make a rough estimate of what it costs in order to see if Java is a cost effective solution for you. Of course what's cost effective depends on what you're doing. If you've got a business site the bottom line is total cost of ownership and how much business the Java applet(s) will generate. If you're just building a web site for fun your calculations will revolve more around how much fun the applet is and how much cooler it makes your web site look. NEXT: How to use Java applets on your web site without knowing Java! Author: tom trinko More articles
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