Java on Your Web Site?

Some folks believe Java applets are the spice of life. Others feel that a Web site without Java is like a fish without a bicycle. While those of us here at the JB will be among the first to agree with the former, we don't believe in using Java just because you can. Java was developed to be useful, not just icing on a cake. In this article, we're going to show you how you can use Java to enhance, rather than distract from, your Web site.

Some of the first applets to be released were simple animation effects. These enabled developers to add animations to their site by including parameters in the applet code that pointed to various image files which were cycled through, creating a "flipbook" type animation. As Java evolved, other visual applets began to be released that offered greater appeal, such as:

• Jannal
• Neon
• Lake
• SlideShow

One of the most common uses for Java applets on a Web site is site navigation. There are many Java-based navigation tools available to make your visitors trek through your site enjoyable. Some, such as IMap are based on an image or images that provide a visual representations of different areas of your site. Others, such as TabTree and dipuTree provide a "treeview" of your site, and allow the visitor to drill down into your site to locate specific areas or pages.

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This article first appeared in July, 1998

How to Add Java Applets to Your Site

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